AFP
Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon praised Washington for its role in attempting to mediate a peace agreement with the Palestinians in a meeting with the US military’s top officer yesterday.
“This is a critical week for the Israeli-Palestinian issue and we appreciate the efforts made by US Secretary of State John Kerry, as well as the commitment and contribution of President (Barack) Obama towards this endeavour,” Yaalon was quoted by his office as telling General Martin Dempsey.
The three-day visit of the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff comes after Yaalon upset Washington with remarks criticising its foreign policy and prompting the State Department to demand an apology.
A statement from Yaalon’s office said his meeting with Dempsey was attended by Israel’s army chief Lieutenant General Benny Gantz and focused on “the situation in the Middle East” and “co-operation between the two countries”.
“We truly appreciate the close relations between the United States and Israel,” Yaalon told Dempsey. “For us, the United States is a strategic ally and our greatest friend. Our relations with the United States are a cornerstone of Israel’s national security.”
“This is a time when we need to remain even closer, and you have our commitment to do that,” Dempsey said.