Defense Minister Ehud Barak will travel to the U.S. this week for talks in Washington aimed at promoting joint anti-missile projects that will ensure Israel’s security.

Barak spokesman Ronen Moshe said the defense minister will discuss “a range of strategic bilaterial issues” while in Washington, including defense from Gaza terrorism and possible attacks from a future Palestinian Authority state on land in Judea and Samaria.

Israeli defense officials have said anti-missile weapons systems must be in place and functioning before any land is handed over to the Palestinian Authority.