US army chief: I speak to Israel more than I do to my wife!
America’s top soldier was in relaxed mood in Israel this week, explaining how his wife had complained that he spoke to Israeli counterparts more than her.
Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, began his latest visit on Monday, meeting Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon.
The Israeli minister is not currently flavour of the month in Washington, DC. Only weeks earlier he angered US officials by describing diplomat John Kerry’s efforts to renew peace talks as “messianic”.
The Obama administration has let it be known that it is furious with Ya’alon for his continued refusal to apologise for leaked criticism of US policy in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Ya’alon, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party, was also caught suggesting that Israel might have to attack Iran unilaterally if it lost faith in Washington.
But greeting Dempsey this week, the Israeli Defence Minister’s tone was very different, as he reiterated that the US was “truly our best friend”.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
