US CENTCOM Chief meets Israeli military, reviews 'Lebanon operational plans'

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla is in Israel for high-level discussions on regional security, amid growing concerns over potential threats from Lebanon and Iran, al-Jazeera and Israeli media Haaretz report.

During his visit, Kurilla met with Israeli army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and other top military officials, focusing on the evolving security situation in the country's northern region, bordering Lebanon and Syria, Al-Jazeera reports.

Haaretz, quoting an Israeli military spokesperson adds that Kurilla's visit "deals with the threats at hand, with an emphasis on the northern arena from Lebanon and Iran."

The media added that he also had a meeting with Northern Command Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin.

This visit comes in the context of tensions in the region, particularly after the assassination in Tehran of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which raised fears of Iranian retaliation. 

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Kurilla was taken to an underground war room by Israel's Northern Command, where he was presented with “operational plans for Lebanon,” showcasing Israel’s preparedness to address potential conflicts in its northern border.

According to al-Jazeera report, General Kurilla met with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in addition to military briefingson Sunday to further discuss security coordination. These meetings highlight the close cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, particularly in addressing shared concerns about Iran’s military presence and Hezbollah’s growing arsenal in Lebanon.