Mideast Arms Race Tops Agenda Of US and Israeli Military Chiefs
The new US and Israeli military chiefs met for the first time on American turf earlier this month in the continuing process of taking each other’s measure and seeking common ground on Iran, Syria and a new Middle East arms race triggered by the Arab Spring and fear of Iran, Richard Sisk reports.
The new US and Israeli military chiefs met for the first time on American turf earlier this month in the continuing process of taking each other’s measure and seeking common ground on Iran, Syria and a new Middle East arms race triggered by the Arab Spring and fear of Iran.
US officials billed the closed-door session at the Pentagon March 19 between Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, head of the Israeli Defense Forces, and Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, as “just part of the regular dialogue” between allies on regional issues.
But Dempsey was more forthcoming in a Facebook entry. “We spent much of our time today talking about growing concerns with Iran and Syria,” Dempsey said. For both militaries, “regular and candid dialogue is critical as we face common threats and challenges.”
One topic raised was arms sales.
