Dempsey, Israeli Counterpart Pledge Ongoing Partnership

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Dempsey, Israeli Counterpart Pledge Ongoing Partnership 08/13/2013 08:57 AM CDT Dempsey, Israeli Counterpart Pledge Ongoing Partnership By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 13, 2013 - On his first full day in Israel this week, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met today with Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, chief of the Israeli general staff. After the meeting, the two generals spoke about their interaction. After welcoming Dempsey, Gantz noted the Middle East is going through major changes that will have strategic consequences. "We must be aware of them," he said, noting that he and Dempsey have discussed these issues in the past and will do so again in the future. "The cooperation between our two countries and, as a result, between our respective organizations, is a very important cooperation," Gantz said. Gantz said the two leaders had "very fruitful" discussions about the region and how to promote freedom, security and liberty. He said to Dempsey, "With your leadership and your friendship, I think we can [meet] any potential challenge in this region." In his return comments, the chairman said this visit to Israel -- his fourth as chairman -- serves two important purposes: to continue to build the strong military-to-military relationship between the United States and Israel, and to gain regional insight from Gantz and other key leaders. That interaction, Dempsey said, allows the two nations to compare notes and "see how we see issues as they are evolving: in Syria, in Egypt and with Iran." He said such senior-leader engagements, whether here or in the states, "help us understand these complex situations ... and then actually illuminate not only the vulnerabilities and threats, but also the opportunities." The chairman's travels will continue later this week with a visit to Jordan.   Biographies: Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Related Sites: State Department Background Note: Israel Related Articles: Israel, Jordan, U.S. Face Common Threats, Dempsey Says Dempsey Arrives in Israel, First Stop on Middle East Trip   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense