"Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz met and discussed a range issues, mostly concerning the global war on terrorism, at the Pentagon on Nov. 4. The two defense leaders "discussed and reaffirmed the close ties the two ministries have specifically with respect to the global war on terror and efforts to curb proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," a senior defense official said on background. The United States is committed to Israel's security and prosperity, and this includes maintaining the Israeli qualitative military advantage in the area, the official said. President Bush has emphasized that the United States and Israel share common values and share common strategic objectives in the Middle East. The two men also reaffirmed the U.S. and Israeli commitment to the statement of understanding signed Aug. 19 on technology transfer, according to the senior DoD official. Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. military aid at $2.28 billion in fiscal 2005. The Israeli defense minister also met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other officials during his Washington visit."