Hagel Plans Israel Visit to Boost Defense Ties

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel plans to visit the Jewish state in April to boost cooperation between the two countries, Israel's defense ministry said on Wednesday.

The plans were discussed during a telephone conversation between Hagel and new Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, who took up the position on Monday, a ministry statement said.

"Hagel congratulated Minister Yaalon on his appointment as defense minister. Minister Yaalon also congratulated Defense Secretary Hagel on his new position, and on his intention to visit Israel next month."

The statement quoted Hagel as saying that he very much appreciated strategic and security relations between the two countries and hoped to strengthen the cooperation between their respective defense establishments.

Yaalon said there were "many shared challenges" in the region and that he looked forward to improving the defense ties between Israel and the United States.

"I am definitely looking forward to strengthening this relationship in light of the challenges facing us, and to strengthen the personal relationship between us," the statement quoted him as saying.

Hagel, a Republican former senator, has been criticized by the Republicans back home for his past comments deriding a "Jewish lobby" in Washington.

The blunt-talking Hagel is known for his fiercely independent streak and has also drawn fire for his opposition to some sanctions on Iran, which Israel and much of the West suspect is trying to develop a nuclear weapons capability.