US, Israel defence officials discuss military ties, Middle East in Pentagon meeting

United States Secretary of Defence Mark Esper met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz at Pentagon to discuss military ties on Wednesday, September 23. During talks, Esper is reported to have said that United States and Israel shared a deep and unshakable bond of friendship, adding that talks were meant to build on that very relationship.

Israel's Military edge conerstone of US-Israel Relations: Esper

During talks, Esper stated that US-Israel relationship had never been stronger and said  two nations aim to keep m that way. He also added that cornerstone of US and Israel’s defence relationship is preserving Israel’s military edge in Middle East and said Department of Defense was still committed to that.

In reply, Benny Gantz prided that Israel is one of most stable countries in Middle East despite regional chaos. He added that Israel was committed to maintaining a good relationship with US and that it was in country’s best interest to continue to share all relevant information with US officials.

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Abraham Accords

Earlier on September 15, US President Donald Trump oversaw signing of  historic peace agreement between Israel,  United Arab Emirates, and  Kingdom of Bahrain. peace agreement, kwn as  Abraham Accords, states that two Arab counties will henceforth rmalise diplomatic relations with Israel and thus will be able to exchange ambassadors, establish embassies and enter into trade deals.

After signing, Trump urged or Middle Eastern countries to follow UAE’s lead and enter into peace agreements with Israel. He added, “w that ice has been broken, I expect more Arab and Muslim countries will follow United Arab Emirates' lead. And I want to just thank m-- it's t surprising, kwing Mohammed so well. It's t surprising. y are in that lead position. And rmalise relations with Israel”.

(With AP Inputs)

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