IDF chief Ashkenazi on US visit

By ICEJ News

08 Mar 2010

IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, will be in the US for an official weeklong visit starting on Monday. Despite the growing diplomatic challenge of the UN’s Goldstone report on last winter’s IDF operations in Gaza, the US and many other Western countries have deepened their military and security ties with Israel over the past year. “As long as NATO countries reinforce their activities in Afghanistan, the connection between them and Israel is strengthened,” explained IDF Col. Dan Hafetz. He noted that Israel’s vast experience in urban warfare and integrating land, air and naval assets in the fight against terrorism has attracted the interest of dozens of countries all over the world. Hundreds of Special Forces troops from several countries have trained in Israel and interest in Israeli-built weapons and equipment has also increased. In related news, the IDF has seen the highest percentage of recruits joining combat units in its history this year, with 5.8 applicants for every available spot in some prestigious units. The largest increase in recent years has been among women, who are now eligible for 90% of the positions in the IDF, including fighter pilots and most ground warfare positions.

Print    Tell a friend