Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman boarded a flight to the United States on Monday night for a meeting with officials in the Donald Trump administration, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.

The defense chief is scheduled to meet with US Vice President Mike Pence, his American counterpart Gen. James Mattis, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other senior figures.

After meeting with Mattis in Munich two weeks ago, Lieberman said he was happy to encounter "a true friend of Israel who is committed to Israel's security." 

In their meeting, which is slated for Tuesday, the two intend to discuss Israel's security challenges in the Middle East, including Iran, Syria, Lebanon and other issues, a statement issued by the Defense Ministry said.

Source: MENA