U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and visiting Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak held talks Wednesday and reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation on regional issues, particularly Syria and Iran. Panetta also reiterated "the strong U.S. commitment to Israel's security and the strong U.S.-Israel defense relationship," Pentagon spokesman George Little said in a statement. The two defense chiefs discussed a range of issues and expressed their commitment to ensuring continued cooperation on many important regional issues, particularly Syria, Iran, and the Gaza Strip, Little said. Panetta commended Barak on the latter's "tireless efforts in advancing the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship," and thanked Barak "for his friendship and his continued commitment to the relationship." Barak's U.S. visit came shortly after U.S. President Barack Obama nominated former Republican senator Chuck Hagel as successor to Panetta, who had decided to return to private life after serving in Obama's first term. The nomination of Hagel, who is reportedly to be less friendly to Israel and against going to war with Iran over its nuclear program, has aroused deep concern among Republicans. But Hagel has denied those accusations, vowing to soon announce his positions. Xinhuanet
