JERUSALEM (JTA) — Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. military, made an unscheduled visit to Israel.
Mullen arrived in Israel "for a brief professional visit," according to a statement issued Sunday by the Israel Defense Forces.
He was hosted by Israel’s chief of the general staff, Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, and they were scheduled to hold a private meeting. Mullen also was to meet with senior Israeli military commanders for discussions focused on cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli militaries, as well as on mutual security challenges, according to the statement.
"I always try to see the threats and the challenges from an Israeli perspective,” Mullen said, following his meeting with Ashkenazi.
Mullen was in Israel following a visit to Afghanistan. He last visited Israel about two months ago.
