General: U.S. and Israel ‘Share’ Understanding
U.S. Chief of Staff General Martin Dempsey said on Friday night that that Israel and the U.S. have a shared understanding of security concerns in the Middle East region.
In a statement released at the end of his first visit to Israel, where he arrived on Thursday, Dempsey said his conversations with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz helped to “advance a shared understanding of the security situation in the region.”
The statement did not include any direct references to the U.S. or Israeli position on Iran.
Dempsey emphasized that his main contacts during the visit were with his Israeli counterpart, Gantz. They discussed, “relations between the two militaries, the U.S.’s new military strategy, and also budgets and the economy.”
Dempsey also referred to the postponement of the “Austere Challenge 12” joint military exercise between Israel and the U.S, scheduled for April, and believed to have been rescheduled following the Obama administration’s desire to defuse tension with Iran. Demspey said that the delay will lead to “better training results.”
For more, go to Haaretz.com
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
