US CENTCOM chief visits Israel amid regional security talks

General Michael Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), visited Israel from December 11 to 13 at the invitation of Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

During his visit, Gen. Kurilla met with LTG Halevi, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Israeli defence officials, including Major Generals Ori Gordin (IDF Northern Command) and Tomer Bar (Israeli Air Force), Caliber.Az reports, citing US Central Command.

The talks centred on a range of pressing regional security matters, including the situation in Syria and strategies to address broader strategic and regional threats.

As part of his visit, Gen. Kurilla toured the IDF Northern Command headquarters, where he gained insights into the security dynamics in Lebanon and ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a lasting cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. He also visited an Israeli airbase for briefings on the IDF’s advanced capabilities.

Gen. Kurilla reaffirmed the close military ties between the United States and Israel, describing the relationship as “ironclad.”

Speaking about his recent tour of several Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, Gen. Kurilla stated:
“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 first-hand through the eyes of our partners, commanders on the ground, and Service members. We need to maintain strong partnerships to confront current and future threats to the region.”

The visit underscores the continuing cooperation between the United States and Israel in addressing complex regional challenges and bolstering stability in the Middle East.

By Aghakazim Guliyev