ALBAWABA — General Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), touched down in Israel, a visit underscored by escalating regional strains and whispers that Washington might be contemplating a military action against Iran.
Israeli media outlets are reporting that Cooper's itinerary includes high-level discussions with top Israeli military and security figures. These meetings will involve Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Air Force Commander Tomer Bar, a continuation of the close coordination between the two nations.
This visit arrives as Israel grapples with the potential for an Iranian preemptive strike, coupled with increasing indications that the United States could soon set its sights on Tehran. Yedioth Ahronoth, an Israeli newspaper, noted that these developments are occurring alongside sustained U.S. military movements throughout the Middle East.
Israel's military announced last week that every Israeli Air Force unit is now on full alert. This move signals Tel Aviv's assessment that U.S. military intervention in Iran is still a possibility.
Simultaneously, Israel's Channel 12 news reported that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are slated to arrive in Israel on Saturday. They'll be meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a clear sign of the close diplomatic and military coordination currently in play.
The presence of high-ranking U.S. military officials alongside American political envoys underscores the increasing preparations for various potential outcomes. Washington and Tel Aviv are carefully considering possible Iranian reactions and the wider regional consequences.
As tensions rise, Israeli officials are said to be concentrating on readiness for both defensive and retaliatory actions. There's still uncertainty about whether diplomacy or military action will ultimately dictate the next steps in the ongoing standoff with Iran.
