(Jerusalem Post) Yaakov Lappin - Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon on Tuesday praised the "unbreakable alliance" with the U.S., and described Washington as Israel's "greatest friend," on which the Jewish state is strategically reliant. "The U.S. supplied Israel throughout the years with wide-scale assistance, particularly in the defense field, and it is the one that assists Israel in standing up to challenges," Ya'alon said. "I am deeply moved every time by the depth of the ties and the intimacy between the defense establishments, and the militaries that are at their helm. In a changing and stormy Middle East, where one does not know what the next day will bring, these are important ties, like no other." "An argument, as harsh as it may be, will not darken relations between the countries and the gratitude felt by Israelis to the U.S. and its role in our defense and power." Discussing Israel Aerospace Industries' production of wings for the F-35 stealth fighter, Ya'alon said these capabilities were driven by the knowledge that "if we are not the best, the most advanced, the most sophisticated, we simply will not be. This is the secret of our power and existence. This is our power. Our minds and hearts, spirit and knowledge."
2014-11-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive