US, Israeli defense chiefs reaffirm strength of military relationship

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter and his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman on Monday reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Israeli defense relationship, the Pentagon said in a statement.

At their meeting at the Pentagon, Carter reaffirmed the U.S "unwavering commitment to Israel's security," the statement said.

The two defense chiefs also discussed regional security challenges in the Middle East and areas of mutual defense cooperation, it said.

During his visit to the U.S., Lieberman will also travel to Fort Worth, Texas, for a ceremony as the first F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft destined for Israel rolls off the production line.

Israel will be the first U.S. partner to receive the F-35, which will "play a key role in maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the Middle East," the statement said. 
Source:XINHUA