Hagel arrives in Israel, says U.S. ally maintains right to strike Iran

JERUSALEM, April 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel arrived in Israel early Sunday for talks expected to feature Iran's nuclear program, the Syrian civil war and a major arms deal to ensure Israel's military edge.

This is Hagel's first visit to the country since entering his post in February, and the first leg of a week-long regional tour that includes Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking to reporters on his flight to Tel Aviv, Hagel underscored Washington's view that Israel maintains the right to defend itself as it sees fit, and that military force to halt Iran 's nuclear program remains a feasible option.

"Israel will make the decision that it must make to protect itself... In dealing with Iran, every option must be on the table, " Hagel said, echoing recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel does not need permission to exercise its right to self-defense.

Stressing that while the United States and Israel see eye to eye on the need to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, Hagel acknowledged that the two allies may differ on when and if Tehran will ultimately decide to assemble a nuclear bomb.

Apart from Iran and Syria, Hagel's visit is expected to see the conclusion of an arms deal meant to dramatically bolster Israel's long-range strike capabilities.

As part of the deal, which Hagel will discuss with Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon on Monday, the United States is offering to sell Israel Boeing's KC-135 refueling tankers, specialized anti-radar missiles, advanced radars for use on fighter jets and, and V-22 Osprey troop and cargo planes that take off and land vertically and have an extended range.

Defense officials here said the deal will be financed via U.S. annual military aid to Israel, which this year totaled 3.1 billion U.S. dollars.

The deal is part of a wider 10-billion-dollar deal that includes huge arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE and aims to provide Washington's allies in the region with enhanced military capabilities.

Following his initial meeting with Ya'alonj on Sunday evening, Hagel is planned to meet with Netanyahu, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and President Shimon Peres.

We recommend:
Funeral of Thatcher held at St. Paul's Cathedral	Chinese student hurt in Boston marathon blasts	Israel marks its Independence Day
Seven killed in Venezuelan post-election protests	The White House opens its garden to the public	The world in photos