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US Defense Secretary Robert Gates to Visit Israel and Jordan

by cyn.khoo | July 25, 2009 at 06:52 pm

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US Defense Secretary Robert Gates goes to Israel on Sunday, July 26, in order to discuss missile defense, Israel's planned acquisition of the multinational F-35 fighter jet, and nuclear power issues with Iran, in addition to other "bilateral defense issues".

According to a senior official, the visit will last approximately six hours, during which Gates will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak of Israel.

"We're talking about the threats and challenges that we see in the region," the official told a small group of reporters on Friday. He said the Israelis were "antsy" about Iran but were not leaning on the Obama administration to halt its effort at expanded direct diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

After, Gates will meet with King Abdullah of Jordan and the king's defense chief, for talks focusing on withdrawal efforts from Iraq in a way that will leave the country stable.

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