Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, is operating out of Israel as of today, working on preparations with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defend against an anticipated Iranian attack, as reported by military media.
Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during which conversation, Austin reiterated “iron-clad U.S. support for Israel’s security and right to self-defense against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, Houthis, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups,” according to the Pentagon readout. “They discussed U.S. force posture moves that the Department is taking to bolster protection for U.S. forces, support the defense of Israel, and deter and de-escalate broader tensions in the region. Secretary Austin also expressed strong support for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.”
According to the Israeli side, Gallant briefed Austin on the “security developments in the region and IDF readiness to defend Israel against potential threats posed by Iran and its proxies,” reported the Times of Israel. “He discussed a series of scenarios and corresponding defensive and offensive capabilities,” Gallant’s office said following the overnight call. Gallant “expressed his appreciation to Secretary Austin for the close military and strategic coordination between Israel and the United States, including the current and future deployment of U.S. military capabilities and force posture changes in defense of Israel,” as well as “highlighted the importance of U.S. leadership in forming a coalition of allies and partners to defend Israel and the region from a range of aerial attacks,” the readout adds.
