As US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead wrapped up an official visit to Israel, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen is planning to arrive.
Can't see the video? Click here for closing ceremony of Roughead visit.
According to a report by the Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, Mullen will be in Israel by week's end for talks with IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. The top US military officer will reportedly be on a tour of Europe this week. Security sources cited by the Post said that the coming visit by Mullen, the second in six months, is evidence of the Admiral's close relationship with the IDF's Lt.-General Ashkenazi and of his concern over the current threats to the State of Israel.
On Monday, US Navy Chief Admiral Roughead concluded a four-day working visit to the country with an exchange of gifts with Chief of Staff Ashkenazi. Roughead and his wife were the guests of the Navy commander's IDF counterpart, Vice Admiral Eli Marom.
During his visit, Admiral Roughead met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Defense Ministry Director Pinchas Buchris and many high-ranking Israeli security officials. He also received briefings by senior Navy officials on matters of mutual interest. Admiral Roughead was also a guest at naval bases in Haifa and Ashdod, as well as aboard various IDF Navy vessels. Among these was the Sa'ar 5 Eilat-class corvette and a Dolphin submarine.
General Ashkenzai is expected to pay an official visit to the US in coming weeks. It will be his first such trip as IDF Chief of Staff.