CENTCOM chief visits Israel for first time since fall of Assad

In a three-day visit to Israel that started on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Gen. Michael Kurilla met with Defense Minister Israel Katz and other senior members of the defense establishment to discuss regional security issues, including the developing situation in Syria and “preparedness against other strategic and regional threats.”

Kurilla was a guest of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi. The two men led “a joint strategic security assessment focusing on responses to threats in the Middle East, particularly concerning the northern front and Iran,” according to the IDF.

“The two discussed recent operational events and potential scenarios in the northern arena to ensure joint readiness for any developments,” the statement added.

“This meeting further strengthens the close strategic partnership between the IDF and the U.S. military, a partnership that provides an operational advantage in the Middle East and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional stability.”

Kurilla said, “My visit to Israel as well as Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon over the past six days, reinforced the importance of seeing the current challenges and opportunities firsthand through the eyes of our partners, commanders on the ground and servicemembers. We need to maintain strong partnerships to confront current and future threats to the region.”