US’ Top Commander Wraps Up 2 Day Visit in Israel
20 December, 2020 |
5 years ago
Jerusalem, 20 December, 2020 (TPS-IL) -- Chairman of the US Joint Staff General Mark Milley concluded a two-day trip to Israel on Friday, during which he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF’s top brass.
This is the general’s third visit to Israel since taking office.
Milley participated in a number of military meetings and events “aimed at strengthening the partnership and cooperation between the IDF and the US military,” the IDF stated.
A panel of IDF commanders was held presented a strategic review and an intelligence review that dealt with the regional security challenges in the Middle East as well as issues in the sphere of power building.
Milley toured the IDF’s Ground Forces’ Multi-Domain Strike Unit, a new elite and innovative combat unit.
IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Aviv Kochavi hosted Chairman of the US Joint Staff General Mark Milley and US Staff Sgt. Jarelle Turner, an MFO peacekeeper who survived the deadly helicopter crash in November and who was treated by Israel, for a candle lighting ceremony on the 8th and final night of Hanukkah.
Members of 669 Tactical Unit for Special Rescues who were partners in evacuating Turner for medical treatment in a hospital in Israel were at the event.
“The close relationship between the IDF and the US military is of paramount importance at the strategic level and is reflected in operational and technological cooperation that strengthens the IDF in the Middle East every day,” stated Kochavi.
Milley stated he was “proud to be with our great friend and ally, the modern Maccabees of the State of Israel. And I take special pride to be here on the last night of Hanukkah when the light of the menorah burns most bright.”
He also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday and the two discussed “regional threats, especially the Iranian aggression.”
They also discussed cooperation between the IDF and the US Armed Forces, and “opportunities in the region.”
Netanyahu thanked Milley for “the cooperation that has expanded and deepened in recent years under the Trump administration and expressed his willingness to continue deepening the cooperation.”
