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Mattis, Israeli Counterpart Discuss Mutual Security Concerns

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Defense Secretary James N. Mattis met at the Pentagon today with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to discuss mutual security issues, including Iranian malign influence and destabilizing effects in the region, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, White said Mattis and Lieberman reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-Israeli defense relationship and qualitative military edge, as well as the “unwavering” U.S. commitment to Israel’s security.

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis walks with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman outside a Pentagon entrance.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis walks with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman at the Pentagon, April 26, 2018. The leaders met to discuss matters of mutual importance. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kathryn E. Holm
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis walks with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman outside a Pentagon entrance.
Pentagon Walk and Talk
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis walks with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman at the Pentagon, April 26, 2018. The leaders met to discuss matters of mutual importance. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kathryn E. Holm
Photo By: Kathryn E. Holm
VIRIN: 180426-D-SH953-2288Y

Durable Relationship

Before the meeting, Mattis noted that during his most recent visit to Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced the relationship’s durability, “emphasizing that the U.S. and Israel's tremendous friendship has never been stronger, and our unwavering bond is built now on a foundation of mutual respect, shared democratic values and aligned global interests, coupled, of course, with decades, now, of robust defense cooperation.”

The U.S. and Israeli militaries have never worked more closely together than they do today, Mattis said, noting recent joint exercises and training events such as the joint Juniper Cobra exercise held in Israel last month.

“It keeps the U.S. force and the Israeli defense forces fit for our times,” the secretary said. “These exercises further enhanced our militaries' shared capabilities, their joint lethality and interoperability, while bolstering our ability to respond rapidly in times of need. Our continued military-to-military cooperation is critical to making a stable and secure Middle East a reality, especially in the face of an Iran intent on spreading its malign influence across the region.”

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