JERUSALEM (JTA) — Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, made a farewell visit to Israel.
Mullen, who will step down from his position on Sept. 30, attended a farewell dinner Monday hosted by his Israeli counterpart, Lt.- Gen. Benny Gantz, and attended by senior Israeli military commanders," who conveyed their utmost appreciation and respect," according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces.
Mullen’s stop in Israel, his sixth visit since he was named to the Joint Chiefs in 2007, was unannounced and did not appear on his official schedule, He arrived in Israel from Afghanistan.
"Throughout his tenure, Adm. Mullen greatly contributed to strengthening the steadfast relationship between the IDF and U.S. military; he developed strong personal ties with his Israeli counterparts," the IDF statement said.
