Netanyahu: Strong IAF is an asset for the US as well

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on Thursday afternoon reiterated his gratitude to the US administration for its military assistance, including the F-35 stealth fighter, saying that the friendship between the two countries remains strong even when they have disagreements. Speaking the day after outgoing US Secretary of State John Kerry's speech on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Netanyahu said a strong Israel is an asset to the US and the entire region, and that he is looking forward to working with the incoming administration. The prime minister made the remarks at a ceremony marking the graduation of the latest group of pilots from the IAF's flight school, including the air force's fourth-ever female fighter pilot. The IDF chief of staff, Lieut. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, also attended the event.