Jerusalem, 27 April, 2023 (TPS) — U.S. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael E. Kurilla held talks with senior Israeli defense officials in Israel.

In January, days before he left the White House, President Donald Trump transferred Israel from the US European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility to the Central Command (CENTCOM). The move was intended to streamline US-Israeli military cooperation, and catalyze Israeli and Arab collaboration against Iran.

Israel’s biggest threats — Iran, Hezbollah activities in Syria and Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen — are in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility.

That has led to a number of naval drills and air force exercises involving the U.S., Israel, its Abraham accords partners, and other countries over the last two years including January’s “Juniper Oak” exercise. The five-day exercise was the largest joint US-Israel military exercise with 6,400 American and 1,100 Israeli personnel participating.

Kurilla’s discussions with Israeli Defense Force Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi are expected to focus on Iranian threats.