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U.S. aims to support Israeli defense systems despite budget cuts

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks during a news conference about the effects of the 'sequester' on military operations, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, March 1, 2013. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks during a news conference about the effects of the 'sequester' on military operations, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, March 1, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

WASHINGTON | Tue Mar 5, 2013 12:58pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with his Israeli counterpart on Tuesday, expressing strong support for Israeli missile and rocket defense systems despite fiscal uncertainty caused by across-the-board spending cuts.

"Secretary Hagel is committed to working with members of Congress to ensure that there is no interruption of funding for Iron Dome, Arrow, and David's Sling rocket and missile defense systems," a U.S. defense official said.

Hagel's nearly two-hour-long talks with Israel's Ehud Barak represented his first face-to-face meeting with a foreign counterpart since he took over the Pentagon on February 27.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart)
World
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Comments (2)
mils54 wrote:
I understand the move but disagree with it, We (the U.S) need to get our own affairs in order before monetarily supporting other nations, Israel included!. I do like and feel it’s extremly smart, the move by Israel to have seperate busses for Palistians and Israelis!, If i were an Israeli i would be thinking the same way, The Palistianian hatred will never end so i will do whatever is in my means to prohibit you from killing me!……Good Move!!!

Mar 05, 2013 1:50pm EST  --  Report as abuse
Andvari wrote:
Funding for Israeli missile and rocket defense systems should have been the first item cut.

Mar 05, 2013 6:22pm EST  --  Report as abuse
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