Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel welcomed Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon to the Pentagon today during Yaalon’s first official visit to Washington since taking office earlier this spring, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
Yaalon arrived aboard a MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft from Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.
Hagel announced in April that the United States would make the V-22 available to Israel “as part of an unprecedented package of advance military capabilities that will increase Israel's qualitative military edge,” Little said. At Quantico, he added, Yaalon and his delegation experienced some of the Osprey’s unique capabilities as Israel plans to incorporate the aircraft into future military planning.
During their meeting, the two defense leaders discussed the today’s elections in Iran, the press secretary said in a statement, and reaffirmed that the United States and Israel will continue to work together to counter threats posed by Iran and remain prepared for a range of contingencies.
"Secretary Hagel and Minister Yaalon also discussed the ongoing violence in Syria and condemned the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime,” Little said. “Both noted the complexities of the situation and resolved to remain in close contact and continue to share information to support the defense of Israel."
Story by American Forces Press Service