IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, in the United States for an official visit, is expected to call on American officials to institute strong sanctions against Iran, IDF sources said. Ashkenazi will meet with National Security Advisor Gen. Jim Jones, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, and others. Ashkenazi will later on attend the annual convention of the U.S. branch of the Friends of the IDF. While he is in the U.S., Ashkenazi's deputy, Benny Gantz, will function as Chief of Staff.