CIA chief makes unannounced Israel visit

A file photo of CIA Director John Brennan.

John Brennan, head of the American spy agency CIA, has made an unannounced visit to Israel, according to an Israeli defence official.

The official says CIA chief John Brennan met Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon. He did not disclose other details.

The official spoke on Friday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the visit with reporters.

Mr. Brennan’s trip comes amid Israeli concerns about weapons transfers from Syria to the Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah.

Israel has carried out airstrikes aimed at halting arms shipments to Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to Russia this week to persuade Moscow not to sell an advanced air defence system to Syria that could complicate any possible aerial campaign.

Israel is also in close contact with the U.S. over Iran’s suspect nuclear programme.