Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised US military chief Gen. Martin Dempsey in a meeting Thursday morning, calling him "a great friend," and protector of not only America, but also of US-Israel relations.

He expressed appreciation for Dempsey's work and for the men of the US army deployed across the globe, the JPost reported on Thursday.

"I know your men are spread globally, our region included," Netanyahu said. "We have no better friends than the people, soldiers, and government of the United States, fighting not only for America, but for freedom itself."

Dempsey referred to the US Army's "friendship" with Israeli army generals as the "greatest gift," calling them "inspirational".

Netanyahu's meeting with the US general followed Dempsey's Wednesday meetings with Israeli army Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot and President Reuven Rivlin.