Israeli Military Sets Up Shop at US Central Command With Eye on Iran

 

Israel previously fell under US European Command

by Dave DeCamp 

Posted onOctober 28, 2021CategoriesNewsTagsIran, Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sent a representative to US Central Command’s headquarters in Florida this week, solidifying Israel’s move under CENTCOM’s area of operations.

“As part of his position, he will be responsible for coordinating joint orders between the IDF and CENTCOM, in peace and wartime, strengthening operational cooperation and exchanging operational knowledge, among other things,” the IDF said, according to The Times of Israel.

Previously, Israel fell under US European Command since Washington’s Arab allies in the Middle East did not have formal relations with Israel. The Trump administration ordered the change early this year after Israel normalized with the UAE and Bahrain.

The idea of the move was to boost cooperation between the US, Israel, and the Gulf states on Iran. “Through cooperation in training, intelligence and operational planning, we will continue to tackle current challenges, chief among them the Iranian threat. I have no doubt that the joint work with CENTCOM and Gulf countries will continue to lead Israel and its security to great achievements,” said IDF Maj. Gen. Tal Kalman, who heads the military unit that focuses on Iran.

Israel recently approved a $1.5 billion military budget boost that will go towards preparing for attacks on Iran. IDF leaders have said they are “accelerating” plans to hit Iran, and the Israeli Air Force has resumed practicing bombing Iranian nuclear facilities.

The Biden administration has been coordinating closely with Israel on Iran. Biden and his cabinet claim they want to pursue diplomacy to revive the Iran nuclear deal but have also hinted at military action against Iran alongside Israeli officials.

https://news.antiwar.com/2021/10/28/israeli-military-sets-up-shop-at-us-central-command-with-eye-on-iran/