IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi is flying to the US on Monday for a three-day trip, his only visit to America during his term.
Typically, an IDF chief visits Washington more often than Halevi has done.
However, he only took office in January 2023 and, by March 2023, was facing the judicial overhaul crisis, a significant operation with Gaza from May 9-13, 2023, and a significant operation with Jenin in July 2023.
Also, an IDF chief is often likely to visit the US more in the second or later years of his term, but by October 2023, Halevi was swamped with managing the Hamas invasion and fighting on multiple fronts.
The fact that he has never visited as IDF chief explains also why Halevi’s trip is for a full three days, whereas typically, such a trip might only be one or two days.
Multiple top US military officials have met with Halevi in Israel
In contrast, given the war situation, the various US Central Command chiefs and top officials, US joint chairmans, and US Defense Secretary all visited Israel and Halevi numerous times.
In Washington, Halevi will meet with top Pentagon and CENTCOM officials.
He will also meet with some American Jewish officials.
There was no mention of Halevi meeting with US President Donald Trump.