Donilon Makes Unannounced Visit to Israel, Panetta to Visit this Month

Max Samis — July 16, 2012 – 11:53 am | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

Prior to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Israel, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon made an unannounced trip of his own to the Jewish state. NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor released the following statement:

National Security Advisor Tom Donilon visited Israel from July 14-15 for consultations with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak, and National Security Advisor Gen. Amidror.

In these meetings, the National Security Advisor reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. His visit was the latest in a series of ongoing U.S. consultations with Israeli officials on a range of regional security issues.

In addition, Ma’ariv reported that following Sec. Clinton’s visit, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is scheduled to visit Israel in the coming weeks. Barak Ravid of Haaretz, along with Reuters, reported:

The cadre of senior American officials that has arrived in Israel over the past week is expected to increase by one more, as United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is also due to arrive in Jerusalem next week to conduct talks on Iran’s nuclear program, and the deteriorating situation in Syria.

Panetta is scheduled to arrive in Israel roughly one week after U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, who landed in Israel late Sunday night. She plans to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Monday.

Click here to learn more about Clinton’s visit.

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