U.S. Central Command Chief Visits Israel

The threat of war persists in Southwest Asia even as the Trump administration engages in high-level talks with Iran. U.S. Central Command commander Gen. Michael Kurilla arrived in Israel yesterday for high-level talks with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), reported Ynet news agency. Kurilla’s trip, seen as critical to operational and intelligence coordination, underscores the deepening security ties between the two allies, Ynet says. Israeli officials say the visit is meant to ensure that both nations are aligned in strategy and preparedness, should military action against Iran become necessary. Kurilla, nearing the end of his tenure at Centcom, is viewed in Israel as a strong proponent of a joint military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Ynet adds. His position that Iranian nuclear progress poses a global risk and should not be countered alone by Israel has made him a key figure within the Pentagon on the issue.