IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir met with US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper for the first time, CENTCOM announced on Saturday.
“The United States maintains an ironclad commitment to Israel’s security,” said Adm. Cooper. “We are mutually dedicated to promoting regional security and stability.”
The visit focused on the operational cooperation between the IDF and the United States military, according to the Israeli military statement.
According to Arab reports, Cooper has been involved in talks between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah over a plan to disarm the terrorist group and transfer security control of all Lebanese territory to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Israel has stressed that such a move is a prerequisite for achieving a new security reality in the North.
At the same time, there have been growing reports in both Israel and the United States that another confrontation with Iran is a possibility that all sides must acknowledge.
CENTCOM, IDF prepare for possible strike from Iran
The visit also addressed the ongoing threat from the Houthis in Yemen, following what Israel views as a major success in eliminating significant parts of the group’s ruling regime in Sanaa. Cooper had previously overseen many US strikes in Yemen during Washington’s campaign against the Houthis.
The IDF views Cooper as a crucial component for aligning efforts with Washington on Iran, especially after military ties reached a peak during Operation Rising Lion this past June. His predecessor, Michael Kurilla, maintained close ties with Israel’s leadership and pursued a hard line against Tehran and its regional influence.
This week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the possibility of renewed direct conflict with Iran in an interview with the Telegram channel Abu Ali Express. “Our response depends on the Iranians,” he said. “We will act according to the threat that comes from there. If they have any sense, they would do well not to bring this situation upon themselves.”