The United States' top military official is in Israel for a short visit Friday to discuss a disagreement with Israel over what to do about Iran's nuclear program.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Martin Dempsey, was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres, as well as the defense minister and military chief.

While official information on the meetings is sparse, Israeli media report the U.S. officials are expected to urge Israel not to launch a pre-emptive military strike on Iran.

The United States and Israel believe Iran's nuclear activities are meant to develop nuclear weapons, though Iran says the program is for peaceful purposes.

The United States favors tougher sanctions on Iran and says military action could further destabilize the region.