Baku: US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Brad Cooper visited Israel for high-level discussions with senior military officials concerning developments with Iran and the Gaza Strip, as reported by Israel's public broadcaster KAN. The visit concluded with Cooper's return to the United States.
According to Anadolu Agency, Cooper's visit to Israel followed a series of diplomatic meetings in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates aimed at reducing tensions between the US and Iran. The discussions in Israel were part of ongoing regional efforts to de-escalate military confrontations and foster new diplomatic understandings.
KAN reported that the US military remains vigilant throughout the Middle East, maintaining a significant presence of aerial refueling aircraft, fighter jets, air defense systems, and troops. Tensions between the US and Iran have kept the region on edge, prompting continued diplomatic and military engagements.
In addition to Iran, the discussions also covered developments in Gaza, aligning with the US's ongoing pressure on Israel to advance President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan. The broadcaster highlighted that this plan seeks to address disagreements over Hamas' disarmament and Israel's potential phased withdrawal from Gaza.
KAN detailed that Israel's security Cabinet intends to review the new plan, focusing on its timeline, which includes a gradual withdrawal contingent on Hamas' disarmament. This process would also involve setting up a Palestinian technocratic committee to govern the territory.
Hamas has stipulated that proceeding with the second phase requires Israel to adhere to initial commitments, such as ceasing attacks and allowing humanitarian aid. The group insists that Israel has not fulfilled these obligations, tying discussions on heavy weapons to a full Israeli withdrawal and other second-phase arrangements, including an international force's deployment and reconstruction efforts.
Peace in Gaza remains fragile since the ceasefire on October 10, 2025, with unresolved issues like Hamas' disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, transitional governance, and reconstruction posing significant challenges in the peace process.