IDF chief Kohavi to fly to Washington to discuss Iran, Gaza

• Author: ANNA AHRONHEIM
• Date: 15 June 2021
• Published date: 15 June 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

During his trip, which will be his first as Israel's top military officer, he is expected to meet with his American counterparts in an attempt to persuade them not to reenter the Iranian nuclear deal.

Kohavi was initially set to meet with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, head of the US Central Command Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr. and head of the US Special Operations Command Gen. Richard D. Clark.

The chief of staff will also discuss the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, Iranian entrenchment in Syria and Operation Guardian of the Walls that led him to postpone his trip in May.

It will be the first trip by an Israeli official with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett leading the government; Kohavi will meet with him ahead of his trip.

The two have worked together closely during Bennett's time as defense minister and both are considered hawks on the Iranian issue.

Two weeks ago, Defense Minister Benny Gantz flew to Washington and met with the same officials to discuss the same topics. At the meetings, he presented the need to change policy in the Gaza Strip, the need to...