WASHINGTON - The US is committed to Israel's defense, including against Iran, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
That support is “unwavering” and “steadfast,” Austin said, and is expressed in over $3 billion a year in military aid, as well as the replenishment of the Iron Dome missile defense system.
“The administration is committed to ensuring that Iron Dome can defend Israeli civilian population centers targeted by terrorist attacks,” Austin stated. “We’re working closely with Congress to provide all the necessary information and respond positively to your request for $1b of emergency funding. It’s going to save more innocent lives.”
The Department of Defense is also committed to maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge, Austin added.
The Secretary of Defense said he looked forward to discussing “Iran’s alarming nuclear steps and continued regional aggression.”
“Iran must be held accountable for acts of terrorism and aggression whether in the Middle East or in international waters, like the July 30 [attack] on the Mercer Street commercial vessel,” he stated.
At the start of Bennett's meeting with US Secretary of State Blinken, the latter said the partnership between their countries is "founded on the proposition of our two countries working together, with a common agenda."
"Our commitment to our partnership with Israel and its security is and always will be unshakeable," he added.
Blinken cited "deep concerns...about Iran's behavior in the region, including its nuclear program."
He also said he hopes to help Israel build on its new diplomatic relations with Arab states.
Bennett said that "Israel has no stronger more reliable ally than the USA...You have our back and that matters a lot, and I can ensure you you'll find no friend more reliable or appreciative than us."
The prime minister said his coalition government is built on "a new spirit of cooperation, goodwill, and unity," which he hopes to bring to the US-Israel relationship, as well.
Bennett is set to meet with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan later Wednesday, and to call Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.