Gantz to meet US counterpart amid regional tension

The two security chiefs are expected to discuss challenges and assess the latest Mideast regional security picture.

By YAKKOV LAPPIN
Benny Gantz and Martin Dempsey 370 (photo credit: Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Benny Gantz and Martin Dempsey 370
(photo credit: Reuters/Amir Cohen)
In the middle of escalated regional tensions following a reported air strike on Syria last week, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz traveled to the US on Sunday for a five-day previously planned visit as the guest of US Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The two are expected to discuss security challenges and assess the latest Middle East regional security picture.
The air strikes in Syria, attributed by foreign media sources to the Israel Air Force, and their effect on the security situation will likely dominate the discussions, as well as the remaining threat posed by Syrian instability and strategic weapons in the country.
Gantz’s deputy, Maj.-Gen.
Gadi Eizenkot, will fill in for him during the visit.
Gantz will be accompanied by the IDF’s attache to Washington, Maj.-Gen.
Yaakov Ayash, and the head of the IDF’s Planning Branch, Maj.-Gen. Nimrod Shefer.
Last week, shortly before the air strikes in Syria, the head of the IDF’s Military Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Aviv , traveled to Washington for talks with senior Pentagon officials.