Joint Statement on U.S.-Israel bilateral defense discussion
December 2, 2005

The U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. Donald Rumsfeld, and Israel's Minister of Defense, Mr. Shaul Mofaz, held discussions on issues concerning the U.S.-Israeli defense relationship. The discussions reflected the longstanding and special bonds of friendship between the two countries.

The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the extent of the U.S.-Israeli defense relations in all their dimensions. The U.S. reiterated its principled commitment to Israel's security and prosperity including the maintenance of Israel's qualitative military advantage. This commitment rests on a legacy of shared values and common strategic interests. In this context and in view of the complex defense challenges facing both countries, the two sides reaffirmed their decision to develop the defense ties between their respective ministries and defense establishments, not least in matters related to the global war against terror and the efforts to stem proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The U.S. and Israel will continue to strengthen their defense relationship through bilateral cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed that the recently signed joint statement of understating enables them to continue to reinforce their defense cooperation.