Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has sent its top military representative to Israel, amid a growing rift between the two nations.

President Barack Obama has sent Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey to Israel to review military and defense cooperation.

Officials said the president and his aides have been angered by criticism of U.S. policy by Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, often touted as the next prime minister. But, on late March 30, Dempsey and Ya’alon met, with the Israeli assuring his visitor of continued cooperation.

Ya’alon was quoted by the Israeli daily Haaretz as saying last week that U.S. financial aid to Israel should not be seen as a one-way proposition.

“It isn’t a favor America is doing, it’s in their interest,” he said. “They get quality intelligence and technology. We invented [the] Iron Dome [anti-rocket system]. The wings of the F-35 stealth fighter — we invented. We invented the Arrow [anti-ballistic missile system].”

Officials said Dempsey, in his fifth visit to Israel, would be hosted by Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz.

“The focus of the chairman’s discussions with his counterparts will be
on issues of mutual strategic interest, while continuing to build on this
important defense relationship,” Col. Ed Thomas, Dempsey’s spokesman, said.

The Dempsey visit comes amid a growing divide between Israel and the
United States over Obama’s rapproachment with Iran and his pressure for a
Palestinian state in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

“These military-to-military meetings demonstrate America’s unwavering
commitment to Israel’s security and the meetings come amid much change and
turmoil in the region,” the Pentagon said on March 29.

Dempsey has been portrayed as the U.S. military official closest to
Israel. His last visit to Israel was in August 2013 amid threats of a war
with Syria.

“The chairman will also touch on global issues with this close American
ally including the situation in Ukraine and efforts to get Russia to
de-escalate the situation there,” the Pentagon said.

  Col. Ed Thomas, Gen. Martin Dempsey, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, Moshe Ya’alon, Obama dispatches Chairman of Joint Chiefs to Israel after Ya’alon’s criticism