Dempsey told Barak that bolstered communication between the US and Israel is key to maintaining the nations' shared interests.
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Dempsey visits IDF headquarters
(צילום: דובר צה"ל)
"We have many interests in common in the region in this very dynamic time and the more we can continue to engage each other, the better off we'll all be," he said.
The two were expected to discuss Iran 'snuclear program and other developments in the Middle East, as well as to reschedule the joint US-Israeli military drill ,which was postponed recently.
Dempsey, Gantz at IDF headquarters (Photo: AFP)
Earlier, Gantz told the top US general that "Both our countries share the same interests, the same values, and I'm sure that we can somehow work it out, together."
Dempsey with Barak (Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry)
"My presence here, I hope, reflects the commitment we have for each other," Dempsey responded. "I'm here to assure you that's the case."
'Israel, US share interests.' (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Dempsey has also met with Military Intelligence Chief Major General Aviv Kochavi and IDF Plans and Policy Directorate Chief Major General Amir Eshel.
Dempsey kicked off his first trip to Israel on Thursday as Gantz's guest at a dinner in a Jaffa restaurant, which was attended by the two army chiefs and their wives.