Latest news with #USVisit
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDF chief scraps US visit as Gaza ceasefire stall, 'Post' learns
The Post learned that Zamir had conditioned his US departure on the establishment of a durable Gaza ceasefire. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has canceled a high-level visit to the United States that was scheduled for Tuesday, deciding to remain in Israel while Gaza ceasefire talks are at an impasse, The Jerusalem Post has learned. Zamir's trip was to include participation in Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla's retirement ceremony at US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and a round of meetings in Washington with America's top defense and intelligence officials. He was slated to hold a series of meetings with senior US defense officials in Washington—including at the Pentagon—and had also planned to meet representatives of Jewish organizations. Those scheduled to see him included the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the heads of US military intelligence and the CIA. In Washington, the sides were to discuss the lessons of Operation Rising Lion and ways to deepen operational coordination between the IDF and the US military going forward. Kurilla, who has forged an unusually close working relationship with Zamir since Israel shifted into CENTCOM's area of responsibility in 2021, arrived in Israel early Friday for a final consultation tour before handing over command later this month. Within hours of landing, the American four-star general made his first-ever visit to the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem's Old City. Guided by Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Heritage Foundation director Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, Kurilla prayed for the well-being of IDF and US troops, for the safe return of the hostages, and for peace in both nations. He placed a note between the ancient stones and wrote in the guest book: 'Thank you for a fantastic visit to the Western Wall. May you find peace.' Kurilla told his hosts that although this is his 40th trip to Israel, it was the first time he had visited Judaism's holiest site. 'My mother always told me that for supporting Israel, God would repay me,' he added, according to people present. The general also toured the new 'Gateway to Heaven' multimedia exhibit and the recently uncovered Second Temple–period excavations beneath the plaza. The Post learned that Zamir had conditioned his US departure on the establishment of a durable Gaza ceasefire. When that failed to materialize, and as public pressure mounted over the hostage crisis, he concluded that 'his place is here.' Canceling the trip conveys a dual message: acknowledging the strategic importance of face-to-face talks with Washington while demonstrating that moral and operational responsibilities outweigh even the most prestigious diplomatic itinerary. During a tour of the Strip on Friday, Zamir told commanders that the IDF would 'continue to apply relentless pressure on Hamas until every one of our people comes home.' Families of captives have been staging near-daily protests outside government buildings; 50 hostages—alive and deceased—remain in Gaza. Dialogue to continue Although Zamir's Washington meetings will now be deferred, liaison officers from the IDF Planning Directorate and the Defense Ministry's Washington Mission will maintain staff-level talks in the interim. Kurilla's successor, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, is expected to assume command later this month, and officials said a follow-up invitation for Zamir would likely be extended once conditions allow.
Bloomberg
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Pakistan's Army Chief Makes First US Trip After India Clashes
Pakistan's military said its army chief is in the US on an official visit, just weeks after President Donald Trump said he had brokered a ceasefire between Islamabad and New Delhi following intense clashes. While the military statement did not specify when the visit began, Dawn newspaper, citing people it didn't identify, reported that Asim Munir arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five-day trip that is 'primarily bilateral in nature.' Munir is expected to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Dawn reported on Monday.
Arab News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Cabinet welcomes upcoming visit by US President Trump
RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet session in Riyadh on Monday, where ministers welcomed the upcoming official visit of US President Donald Trump to the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Cabinet expressed optimism that the visit would serve to deepen the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Washington across various sectors in line with shared interests and long-term visions, SPA added. In a statement to SPA, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media Essam bin Saad bin Saeed said the Cabinet reiterated its strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation authorities' incursion into the Gaza Strip and Palestinian territories. It also denounced ongoing violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli forces, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Ministers also welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Pakistan and India last week, affirming the Kingdom's continued commitment to working with international partners to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace between the two South Asian neighbors. The Cabinet said that Saudi Arabia's hosting of the Munich Security Conference Leaders' Meeting in the fourth quarter of 2025 reflects its commitment to multilateralism and to advancing global peace, security, and stability. The Cabinet also hailed Saudi Arabia's election as the Arab Group's representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization Council. During the session, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security for cooperation in the energy sector. The Cabinet further authorized the Minister of Education, or a deputy, to negotiate and sign an MoU with the US focused on cooperation in the field of education and training. In the field of health regulation, the Cabinet approved an MoU between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Chinese National Medical Products Administration to enhance cooperation in the regulation of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. It also approved an MoU between the Saudi Presidency of State Security and Oman's General Secretariat for Communications and Coordination concerning the combatting of terrorism and its financing.
