(AP) - Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton says a "strong and secure Israel" is vital to the United States. Her comment came after Clinton met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York City on Sunday evening.



Reporters were barred from covering the meeting. Clinton's campaign said in a statement released afterward that she "reaffirmed her unwavering commitment" to the U.S.-Israel relationship. Clinton also stressed her support for the new military aid agreement reached earlier in September and her commitment to countering efforts to boycott Israel.



Republican rival Donald Trump met with Netanyahu for more than an hour at his residence in the Trump Tower on Sunday morning, according to Israeli and campaign officials. Both meetings come on the eve of the first presidential debate.