US Defense Secretary Mark Esper promised Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz that the US is committed to maintaining Israel’s military edge as plans move ahead for the US sale of F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates.

Gantz met with Esper on a visit to Washington on Tuesday as well as with National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, and presidential adviser Jared Kushner.

�The defense relationship between the United States and Israel has never been stronger: We intend to keep it that way,� Esper told Gantz. �A cornerstone of our defense relationship is preserving Israel�s qualitative military edge in the region.�

“The United States is committed to that, and the Department of Defense is committed to that imperative. We will continue to support the long-standing US priority to maintain Israel�s security.”

#GenMilley met with #Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz today in the Pentagon.

The U.S. & Israel enjoy a strong military-to-military relationship as key partners committed to peace & security in the Middle East region ??-??

Here's our readout: https://t.co/0dFmNxn6HM pic.twitter.com/dc7sbG8KDi

— The Joint Staff ?? (@thejointstaff) September 23, 2020

Ending a string of meetings in Washington with heads of the US defense establishment, incl. senior advisor to POTUS, @jaredkushner, Defense Secretary @EsperDoD, national security advisor, @robertcobrien and CJCS, Gen.Mark Millley. pic.twitter.com/gSUf2SWZrU

— ??? ??? – Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) September 22, 2020

Further details of the meetings were not published but as YWN reported on Tuesday, Gantz arrived at the meeting equipped with a “shopping list” of options to maintain Israel’s edge in the region.

Gantz is returning to Israel on Thursday morning.

(YWN Israel Desk � Jerusalem)