By JPOST.COM STAFF


05/17/2012 19:47









Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday thanked US
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta for helping Israel maintain its
qualitative military advantage in the region and for special assistance
in acquiring additional Iron Dome batteries.

At the meeting,
Barak told Panetta that he wanted to thank US President Barack Obama and
the American government regarding military aid to Israel, "the complete
commitment to Israel's security and for other recent assistance in
acquiring the Iron Dome batteries."

Barak noted that the
additional assistance in buying Iron Dome batteries on an expedited
basis "was given during a crucial period and we are grateful."

The
defense minister said that the US assistance would allow Israel to
utilize extra batteries and strengthen Israel's defense against missiles
and rockets, and give Israel's leaders the political and diplomatic
leverage to "prevent a significant escalation."