US, Israeli chiefs of staff meet in Tel Aviv

US Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met Sunday with his Israeli counterpart, Lt. Gen. Gady Eisenkot, and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon in Tel Aviv to discuss the tightening of cooperation between the two militaries.
Yaalon told Dunford that Iran is the main cause of instability in the Middle East due to its intention to achieve regional hegemony and spread the Islamic revolution. He added that Tehran is also funding terror in the West Bank.
Dunford said there have been ups and downs in the “family relationship” between the two countries recently but the military ties remain strong and have never wavered. He said he intends to ensure that they remain strong during his tenure.
The US general added that he came to Israel to listen to senior defense officials and IDF commanders "because I know that you have the perspective that is very important to us. It will help us ensure that we are acting in the most effective manner."
Dunford is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu. He arrived in Israel on Saturday for his first overseas trip since being appointed last month.