U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen said Sunday emphasized that the relationship between his army and the Israel Defense Forces, adding: “I always try to see the threats and the challenges from an Israeli perspective."
"The leadership of
Chief of Staff Ashkenazi has made a positive difference in our relations, yet our challenges remain," Mullen said, after meeting Ashkenazi on a surprise visit to Israel.
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The meeting had also been expected to focus on the preparation by both Israel and the U.S. for the possibility of a nuclear capable Iran.
During Mullen's meeting with Marom, the two were also expected to discuss last month's raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship. In the raid, nine Turkish activists were killed by Israeli navy commandos.
The IDF views Mullen as someone who is capable of effectively presenting Israel's stance in Washington. Officials hope that Mullen will become convinced during his visit that Israel acted appropriately during the May 31 raid of the Mavi Marmara, and that Israel should be allowed to investigate the event independently, without U.S. interference.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-army-chief-i-always-try-to-see-challenges-from-israeli-perspective-1.298612