Deputy Commander of the United States European Command (EUCOM), Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, arrived in Israel today for a three day visit, as the guest of the IDF Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Maj. Gen. Benny Gantz.

During the visit, Lt. Gen. Gardner is scheduled to meet with the Deputy IDF Chief of the General Staff, Maj. Gen. Benny Gantz, Head of the IDF Strategic and Planning Branch, Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel and additional senior officials with whom Lt. Gen. Gardner is expected to discuss several strategic matters as well as receive intelligence and strategic briefings. Lt. Gen. Gardner will be escorted by senior EUCOM officials.

This is Lt. Gen. Gardner's first visit to Israel. Amongst things mentioned, the tour will also include a visit to the IDF Northern Command, where the General will be briefed by the Commander of the Galilee Regional Division, Brig. Gen. Yoel Streak. Furthermore, he is expected to visit the American defense installation in Mount Keren, where the X-Band radar is operated, as part of the IDF and the US' cooperation in the field of active defense. Additionally, Lt. Gen. Gardner will tour the Yad va'Shem Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Jerusalem and will participate in the Herzliya Conference.