The United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Martin Dempsey, has wrapped up his visit to Israel with a meeting with the country's President Shimon Peres.

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, left, shakes hands with Israeli President Shimon Peres during their meeting at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012.

The US military's top general visited Israel on Friday and held an intense string of closed talks with Israeli leaders, amid apparent disagreements between the two countries over how to respond to Iran's nuclear program.

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey held meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak before holding dialogue with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Speaking on the common threat shared by Israel and the United States, Peres said that the two countries are on the same front. Dempsey agreed with Peres, and reassured that on this issue, the US remains Israel's ally.

Dempsey said: "And your characterization of the common challenge we face and the common, the trust, the sacred trust we have, to protect those values of freedom, I couldn't agree with you more and I assure you that America is your partner and we are honored to have you as a partner in that regard."

In a joint statement, the US and Israel said the visit focused on "cooperation between the two militaries, as well as mutual security challenges."

The arrival of Dempsey just four months after he took office as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscores Washington's concerns about a possible Israeli military strike against Iran.

Israel believes Iran is close to obtaining the technology to produce an atomic weapon, while Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)