PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE

Jerusalem,
20 January 2012

PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES MEETS WITH US CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
GEN. MARTIN E. DEMPSEY

President Shimon Peres today (Friday), 20.1.12, at his Jerusalem residence,
held a working meeting with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.
Martin E. Dempsey. The two men discussed diplomatic-security developments
in the world and in the Middle East; IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz
also participated. The President briefed his guests on various geopolitical
issues related to Israel and its neighbors.

At the start of the meeting, President Peres said that, "I am sure that we
will win this battle as well. It is not only for the United States of
America and not only for Israel, it is really a struggle to make the world a
safe place for all people, without any differences what so ever." Regarding
US-Israel relations, the President said that, "We are privileged to be a
friend of yours and we are happy that you are our friend and I think even
today in a very complicated situation we can find a common ground. We have
profound trust in your democratic system and your armed forces."

President Peres emphasized that Iran is a problem for the entire world.
"Iran is a center of global terrorism. It finances the most dangerous
terrorists in the world and oversees acts of terrorism that claim innocent
lives. Iran aspires to establish its hegemony not only the Middle East but
other parts of the world as well, and is continuing in its attempts to
penetrate South America," the President said. He added that in his view,
"The two camps today are really the camp of peace and the camp of dangerous
ambitions to rule other people and the USA and Israel are in the same
front."

Gen. Dempsey said that, "I am very honored that you would take the time to
meet a simple soldier today and I am here on a visit with General Gantz, a
man I have known for a long time. I have always respected your
characterization of the common challenge we face and the sacred trust we
have to protect those values of freedom. I could not agree with you more
and I assure you that America is your partner and we are honored to have you
as a partner in that regard. The general and I have had very good meetings
this morning as we chart a way forward to continue to cooperate on that
basis as the guardians of freedom not only in the region but around the
world."

For further information:

Ayelet Frish – Spokesperson for the President of Israel – 050-6205111

Meital Jaslovitz – Assistant Spokesperson
for the President – 050-4205230