PM Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin after managing to avoid anti-judicial reform protesters at Ben Gurion Airport.

Prior to the meeting, Netanyahu jokingly told Austin that he was "covering the neighborhood" - alluding to Austin's planned trip to Syria and other focal points in the region. "I know a little bit about the region," quipped Lloyd in return.

"I'm delighted to once again welcome Secretary Austin to Israel," said Netanyahu before broaching the Iranian nuclear threat. "We have a common agenda to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and [its] aggression, maintain the security and prosperity of this region, and seek to expand the circle of peace. That is an important agenda. I look forward to our discussion," pointed out the Prime Minister.

"Thank you for being a great host," replied Austin before reaffirming the US's interest in Israel's security. "I look forward to discussing a number of topics, one of which you mentioned earlier," said Austin, referencing Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear missile that could target Israel and America.

Also attending the meeting were Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi, the Prime Minister's Chief-of-Staff Tzachi Braverman and the Prime Minister's Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil.