Gantz, Esper sign US commitment to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz met yesterday with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper; the two ministers signed at the Pentagon a joint declaration over the United States maintaining Israel’s military advantage in the Middle East.
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper signed Oct. 22 at the Pentagon a joint declaration, confirming Washington’s commitment to maintaining its ally’s qualitative military edge (QME) in the Middle East. It was Gantz's second visit to the Pentagon in just a month. His latest visit Sept. 22 focused on US snapback sanctions against Iran.
The Aug. 13 announcement by US President Donald Trump on Israel and the United Arab Emirates normalizing ties was followed by reports over American intentions to sell to the Emirates F-35 stealth jets. Consequently, Gantz and other seniors in the Israeli defense system expressed concerns over Israel losing its military superiority in the region. Yesterday’s declaration was apparently intended to quell these Israeli fears that it would no longer pose a regional military advantage.
