CENTCOM Commander Visits Israel and Affirms Washington's "Steadfast Commitment" to Its Security

SadaNews - U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper conducted a tour in Israel this week, where he met with Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, discussing "regional security and the strong military alliance between the United States and Israel."

A statement released by CENTCOM this morning, Saturday, quoted Cooper as saying that "the United States is firmly committed to Israel's security," adding that both sides are "united in the effort to enhance regional security and stability."

The visit to Israel was part of Cooper's first introductory tour in the Middle East since he took office, which included several stops in Qatar, Bahrain, Iraqi Kurdistan, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. CENTCOM stated that the tour aimed to "strengthen military relations" and discuss common security challenges.

In Bahrain, Cooper met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and senior officials, emphasizing that "the United States and Bahrain have a long-standing defense relationship," highlighting that this relationship has been strengthened through the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). Cooper reminded that he previously served in Manama as the commander of the Fifth Fleet and the Combined Maritime Forces.

He also met in Jordan with Chief of Staff Major General Youssef Hneiti and several senior officers, in addition to the U.S. defense attaché, where they discussed "opportunities to enhance cooperation and regional security challenges." The statement quoted Hneiti as expressing "Jordan's commitment to partnership and readiness," while Cooper praised "Jordan's pivotal role in the stability of the region."