U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and his Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak met Wednesday, January 9 to underscore a “strong U.S. commitment to Israel’s security,” the Pentagon said, Agence France Presse reported. Defense Department spokesman George Little said in a statement that the two men “discussed a range of issues, and expressed their commitment to ensuring continued cooperation on many important regional issues -- particularly Syria, Iran, and Gaza.” “The secretary commended Minister Barak on his tireless efforts in advancing the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship,” Little said, adding the pair “reiterated the strong U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and the strong U.S.-Israel defense relationship.” The meeting was the 11th for Barak and Panetta, who is leaving his post shortly.