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Release
Immediate Release

Defense Secretary Esper Meets With Israeli Minister of Defense Bennett

Feb. 5, 2020

Department of Defense Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan R. Hoffman provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper met with Israeli Minister of Defense Naftali Bennett at the Pentagon on February 4. The visit marked the first meeting between the two leaders, and focused on reaffirming the longstanding defense relationship between the United States and Israel. 

The two discussed a broad range of defense-related issues to include regional threats, shared interests, and the importance of maintaining a strong military-to-military partnership moving forward.

Minister Bennett thanked Secretary Esper for his continued support for Israel's inherent right to self-defense and the United States reiterated a strong commitment towards ensuring Israel's Qualitative Military Edge.

Esper Defense Secretary