The top US military commander is scheduled for talks in Israel this week, Israel said Sunday, at a time when the US is concerned that Israel might be preparing to attack Iran over its nuclear program. The Israeli Defence Ministry confirmed the planned visit Thursday by Army General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. It did not give his agenda for talks with Israelis but Iran is expected to be at the top.
Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran to be an existential threat because of its nuclear program, missile capabilities, support for anti-Israel militants in Lebanon and Gaza and frequent references by its president to the destruction of Israel.
Israel has repeatedly hinted it might take military action if international sanctions fail to stop Iran's nuclear development. The US, Israel and other Western nations believe Iran is developing atomic weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Dempsey's visit will be his first official trip to Israel since he assumed command of the joint chiefs on September 30. His predecessor, Adm. Mike Mullen, made several visits to Israel during his four-year term.
On Thursday President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the Iran situation in a telephone conversation.