On his first visit to Israel as secretary of defense, Chuck Hagel released a statement backing Israel�s right to make a decision to launch an attack against Iran�s nuclear program.

As reported earlier by YWN-ISRAEL, Hagel is bringing a major arms assistance package with him which will provide Israel with additional US weaponry towards permitting the Jewish state to maintain and increase its military superiority in the region. It is reported that the impressive military hardware package is also timed to send a clear message to Iran regarding America�s firm commitment to Israel�s security.

Hagel stressed the new military hardware significantly improves Israel�s military�s ability to operate far away from home as well as increasing the state�s military superiority in the region.

From Israel Secretary Hagel will travel to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

In a joint press conference following their meeting, Defense Minister Moshe Ya�alon stated that while Israel reserves its right to defend itself, it prefers a diplomatic solution to the Iranian issue.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)