IDF chief Gantz to discuss 'joint security challenges' on European tour

Chief of staff to meet with Italian, German counterparts, will discuss military cooperation and share regional assessments.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz flew to Europe on Tuesday to begin his four-day visit in the region.
His first stop was in Italy, where he was met by his counterpart, Adm. Luigi Binelli Mentelli.
From there, Gantz is scheduled to continue to Germany for a three-day visit, where he will be hosted by the German chief of staff, Gen. Volker Wieker.
Gantz’s visit to Germany will be his first as chief of staff, following visits by German military chiefs to Israel in recent years.
Gantz is expected to hold working meetings with senior European defense officials, the IDF said, and to tour elite German army units, as well as hold meetings with field commanders.
Talks on “joint security challenges” and military cooperation will be held, the IDF added, and Gantz will share the latest regional-security assessments on the Middle East with his counterparts.
In Berlin, Gantz will also deliver a speech in remembrance of the Holocaust, and will visit the Wansee mansion on the outskirts of the city, where the Nazis planned the “final solution” for the genocide of European Jewry in 1942.
He will be accompanied by the head of the International Military Division, Col.
Adam Zusman, and a combat unit commander.
Gantz’s deputy, Maj.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, will replace him as acting IDF chief of staff for the duration of the visit.