IDF chief of staff meets with US army to strengthen ties

IDF Chief of Staff Eizenkot is in the US for a four-day visit to promote further cooperation with the US army.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gadi Eizenkot arrived in the US on Sunday for a four-day visit to further promote collaboration between the IDF and the American miltary. He is the guest of Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Eizenkot, who assumed his position as IDF chief of staff last October, is slated to meet with US military and defense figures in talks that will take place in Utah, Florida, and Washington. The discussions are expected to focus on mutual security challenges and military cooperation. It is his first overseas trip in this capacity.

Eisenkot will inspect the squadron of F-35 fighter jets, which will be delivered to the Israeli Air Force (IAF) by the end of the year, and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington cemetery. He will also visit the US military’s Special Forces base in Florida, the IDF stated.

In his absence from Israel, Eizenkot’s responsibilities are being overseen by IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Yair Golan.

Eizenkot’s trip comes as Brig. Gen. (Res.) Jacob Nagel, acting head of Israel’s National Security Council, is in Washington to meet with officials to sign an agreement that will see increased US military aid to Israel.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News