IDF Chief of the General Staff Concludes Official Visit to Canada

Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz meets with his Canadian counterpart, General Walt Natynczyk

“Meeting with the Chief of Defense of and ally and friendly nation is always time very well spent. We are honored to host Lieutenant-General Gantz and his wife in Ottawa. This is an important opportunity for us to share perspectives on global security issues,” said General Natynczyk. “Our relationship with the Israeli Defense Forces is growing. We will continue to build upon our friendship with practical initiatives of mutual benefit.”

The following day, the two met for an extended “one-on-one” meeting, during which they exchanged views on current security issues.

Following the meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff conducted a panel with representatives from the Ministry of National Defense and senior officers from the Canadian military. During the panel, Lt. Gen. Gantz gave a detailed brief regarding the current challenges in the Middle East, the radical elements which carry negative influence on the area, and the existing trends in light of the changes that several countries in the Middle East have faced over the course of the past year. The panel ended with a discussion on the current cooperation between the Canadian military and defense establishment, the Ministry of Defense, and the IDF.

Lt. Gen. Gantz and Gen. Natynczyk attend the Ceremony of Remembrance

During the visit, both Lt. Gen. Gantz and Gen. Natynczyk took the opportunity to attend the Ceremony of Remembrance at the “Book of Remembrance” in Parliament. The Chief of Defence Staff expressed his wish to visit Israel in the near future.

The visit was significant and included important discussions regarding global and military challenges. It was yet again evident that the relations between Lt. Gen. Gantz and the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as between the two countries, were warm and sincere.