Toward Escalation or a Deal? US CENTCOM Commander Visits Israel

US CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper landed in Israel today and will meet with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior officers. The visit follows meetings in Bahrain and the UAE, amid optimistic statements about a possible ceasefire agreement. The Americans maintain high readiness, with dozens of refueling aircraft, fighter jets, and air defense systems in the country. Cooper will also discuss Gaza, amid US pressure to move to the next phase and approve a phased withdrawal plan.

US CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper landed in Israel this afternoon (Saturday), as first reported in the Kan News broadcast. Cooper will meet with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior IDF officers. The visit follows a series of meetings the admiral held in Bahrain and the UAE, and amid optimistic statements made today by Iranian President Pezeshkian and US Vice President Vance about a possible approach to a new ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, the Americans continue to maintain high readiness in the Middle East and Israel. Dozens of refueling aircraft, fighter jets, air defense systems, and thousands of American soldiers are still stationed in the country, whom Cooper is expected to visit during his stay in Israel. Cooper will also hold discussions on the Gaza Strip. The United States has been pressuring Israel in recent weeks to move to the next phase in the Strip, following the Peace Council's declaration of an agreement to disarm Hamas. The cabinet will be required to approve the new outline and timelines, which include a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, subject to the terrorist organization's disarmament and the entry of the technocrat government into its role.