WASHINGTON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The United States reiterated on Wednesday its commitment to Israel's security and pledged to work closely with Israel's new government led by second-term Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    "Israel is a close friend and ally, and we remain unalterably committed to Israel's security," State Department deputy spokesman Gordon Duguid told a news briefing.

    "We will work closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu's government to advance the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East, and move the parties in the direction of a two-state solution.

    "We have full confidence in and will continue to support the government of Israel, and we will work together for a durable and lasting peace in the region," Duguid said.

    Netanyahu, who served as Israel's ninth prime minister from June 1996 to July 1999, was officially sworn in with his new cabinet members on Tuesday.

    Israel has been a staunch U.S. ally in the Middle East since the late 1940s.