Israeli officials in Jerusalem on Saturday praised US President Barack Obama’s nominee to succeed outgoing Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel.
Obama on Friday named Ashton Carter, a longtime Pentagon aide, to the top post just days after Hagel announced he would be stepping down.
The president said Carter "brings a unique blend of strategic perspective and technical know-how" to the job.
At a small ceremony, Carter told Obama that if he is confirmed by the US Senate, "I pledge to you my most candid strategic advice."