The Chief of Staff of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, General Kōji Yamazaki, visited Israel on 21 June during a multi-nation Middle East swing.

At the Israel Defense Forces (IDF ) headquarters in Tel-Aviv, Yamazaki was hosted by his Israeli counterpart, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi.

The two discussed the regional security situation and the “potential to further partnership between their militaries,” the IDF said.

While in Israel, Yamazaki also met with the commanders of the Air Force and Navy, among other top IDF officers. This marked the first visit to Israel by the Head of Japan’s military since the countries established diplomatic relations in the 1950s.