US defense secretary: We will help Israel defend itself

LIVE: Ash Carter meets with Defense Minister Ya'alon upon arrival in Israel, says visit meant to emphasize US has no limits on ability to increase Israel's security.

Associated Press

 The Pentagon chief met at Israel's defense headquarters with Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and on Tuesday is to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has strongly criticized the Iran deal.

In a joint press conference held by the two defense chiefs, Carter said the US would do all it could to help Israel defend itself including continued funding for missile defense, joint training, and advanced equipment like the F-35, which Israel will receive before all other international partners next year.

Carter (right) greeted by Defense Minister Ya'alon upon his arrival in Israel. (Photo: Ministry of Defense)

Ya'alon said Israel "greatly disagrees" with the agreement reached with Iran on its nuclear program. But, he said, "The scope and depth of the relationship between the defense establishments of the United States and Israel is unprecedented – between the Pentagon and the Ministry of Defense, between our armed forces, intelligence corps and defense industries." 

The IDF's welcome of Carter. (Photo: Defense Ministry )

Netanyahu has argued that the deal clears the way for Iran to build nuclear weapons that would threaten Israel's existence and ultimately diminish US and global security. 

 
Even as tensions between the US and Israel have grown over how to contain Iran's nuclear program has grown, the US-Israel defense relationship has deepened in recent years.