The meeting between U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford and Israeli Chief of the Israeli General Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot shows the “strong military-to-military relationship” enjoyed by the two nations, a readout of the meeting on Monday stated.
Dunford “affirmed the U.S. commitment to its relationship with Israel.” The statement reinforced that the United States and Israel are “key partners committed to peace and security in the Middle East region.”
While in Washington, Eizenkot participated in his second consecutive Counter-Violent Extremist Organizations conference for military commanders. It was the third annual conference, but Israel was not invited to participate two years ago. While a statement from the IDF said that Eizenkot would meet with U.S. and foreign military officials, it did not specify which nations’ military leaders he would meet with.
Lebanon’s army chief boycotted last year’s conference because of Eisenkot’s appearance, but military leaders from Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia attended.
Three years ago, Dunford’s first trip abroad following his appointment was to Israel.
“I’ve been in my job for two weeks, this is the first country I’m visiting on my first trip,” Dunford said at the beginning of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “It reflects the important relationship the United States has with Israel. Quite frankly, one of the foundational elements of that relationship is our military-to-military relationship.”
After Netanyahu explained the military threats facing Israel, Dunford replied, “I’m confident that the solution to those challenges is our cooperation. And that’s what I’m committed to, and that’s why I’m here today.”