US CENTCOM commander, Israeli chief of staff discuss Lebanon-focused security issues

JERUSALEM

US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla discussed the situation in Lebanon with Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military said on Saturday.

"The Commander of CENTCOM General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, arrived in Israel yesterday as the official guest of the Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi," the military said on X.

The two conducted a "situational assessment" along with the head of the operations directorate and the commanding officer of the Northern Command that "focused on security and strategic issues with an emphasis on Lebanon."

In recent months, Kurilla has visited Israel multiple times, reflecting the strong support provided by Washington on military, intelligence, and political levels.

Israel was engaged in cross-border warfare with Hezbollah since the beginning of Gaza war, but it launched an extensive air campaign on Lebanon in late September, followed by a ground invasion the next month.

Over 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon, and over 1 million have been displaced since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala​​​​​​​