WASHINGTON, June 20, 2016 — During a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon today, Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Israeli Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Israeli defense relationship, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a statement.

Carter also reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security, the press secretary said.

The two leaders also discussed regional security challenges in the Middle East and areas of mutual defense cooperation, he said.

During Lieberman's visit to the United States, Cook said, he will also travel to Fort Worth, Texas, for a ceremony as the first F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft destined for Israel rolls off the production line.

Israel will be the first U.S. partner to receive the F-35, which will play a key role in maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the Middle East, the press secretary said.