Cohen stresses support for Israel

US Secretary of Defense William Cohen on Monday reiterated his country's support for Israel in developing and modernizing its military arsenals.

In a joint press conference Cohen held on Monday with Israeli Minister of Defense Yitzhak Mordechai upon his arrival in Israel, "Israel is determined to be as strong and secure for the next 50 years as it has been for the last 50 years. The United States intends to do its part by helping Israel to maintain its qualitative edge."

He added the US administration has decided to finance the modernization of the third group of Israeli Arrow missiles after a decision in this regard was approved by the Congress. Mordechai described the US as Israel's genuine friend.