Ash Carter and Moshe Ya’alon Speak at NDU's National War College

On October 27, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter hosted Israeli Minster of Defense Moshe Ya’alon at NDU’s National War College to advance the strong defense relationship between the U.S. and Israel. The event was the first of two between Secretary Carter and Minster Ya’alon, coming as part of the Israeli Defense Minster’s two-day visit to Washington. The second event, on October 28, took place at the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, where the two were present for a demonstration of the jointly, developed U.S.-Israeli F-35 fighter.

During the NWC presentation at Arnold Auditorium, both officials emphasized how the “depth and scope of the defense relationship is unprecedented.” Minster Ya’alon highlighted NDU’s strategic importance saying, “in the Israeli general staff, today, four generals out of twenty one have graduated NDU.” Minster Ya’alon mentioned the “major geopolitical earthquake” and an “Islamic winter” currently unfolding in the Middle East. The discussion concluded with remarks about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and both officials reaffirming their commitment to each other’s national security.