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Following are Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon’s remark on Thursday, 15 Iyar in Tel Aviv, at the joint press conference with US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel:

“My dear friend, Chuck Hagel, welcome to Israel!

I am deeply honored to host you here for your second visit to Israel as the Secretary of Defense. Our continuous meetings and discussions attest the deep strategic ties between the United States and the State of Israel.

They also demonstrate that you, Chuck, are a great friend of the State of Israel.

In word and deed, you’ve already made clear that the security of Israel is a top priority for you. I am particularly glad that this policy continues the tradition of close relations between our governments and ministries.

So first, on behalf of the People of Israel, the State of Israel, and myself

personally – I would like to say thank you.

Our strong and special security relations are a central component of the intimate and unshakable bond between the United States, the leader of the free world, and the State of Israel. Israel enjoys generous American aid, which, among other things, goes to the purchase of cutting edge US military equipment, like the future fighter jet – F-35 – and other advanced technologies. We are also extremely grateful for the steadfast US support to vital programs to Israel’s security, such as the Iron Dome System.

Dear Chuck, today, you will visit an Israeli Air Force base, where you will meet Americans and Israelis taking part in a key joint exercise – yet another example of our excellent security cooperation.

We work closely together, sharing knowledge, technological knowhow and intelligence. But beyond that, our countries share fully the most basic values of democracy, freedom and liberty. We also share common interests, and let me just say it is Israel’s core interest to see a strong America, continuing to play a leading role in our region and beyond. Even if there are disagreements along the way, they cannot overshadow the ironclad bond we share. Let me stress again, the US contribution to the security of Israel is highly appreciated and unique.

In our discussions during this visit, I look forward to covering a wide plethora of strategic and regional issues of mutual interest. Indeed, the changes in the Middle East, pose for both Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, and the United States, the world’s leading and most important democracy, unprecedented challenges, as well as new opportunities. I am confident that by working together we can make our countries stronger, safer and overcome our challenges.

Again, Chuck, I would like to thank you for coming again, and for everything you have done for the State of Israel. Thank you!”

US Secretary of Defense Hagel’s remarks in press conference with DM Ya’alon:

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)