Tel Aviv: Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz told his US counterpart Lloyd Austin was committed to work closely with the US towards strengthening Israel's security' and "continuing our close consultations on threats posed by Iran", during a meeting, as reported by IANS.
"we will work closely with our American allies to ensure that any new agreement with Iran will secure the vital interests of the world and the United States, prevent a dangerous arms race in our region and protect the State of Israel".Gantz said.
Following a meeting between the two diplomats on Sunday, Austin thanked Gantz for the "important discussions on the regional threat environment and ways to deepen US-Israel defense cooperation"
"Grateful to share vision and goals with our strategic partner and friend and know that we will work together to make sure that any Iranian nuclear agreement protects the vital security interests of the international community and of Israel. "Austin said.
Austin is also expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, the Defense Secretary is not expected to visit the Palestinian Territories, although Biden has signaled that he wants to rebuild ties with the Palestinians.
Previously, Donald Trump administration had made several major diplomatic moves which were welcomed by Israel but denigrated by the Palestinians, including moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, and weakening support for a two-state solution.
Austin's two-day visit marks the first by a US official since President Joe Biden's inauguration in January.