CENTCOM chief arrives in Israel for high-level talks with top brass

ANKARA

US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Michael Kurilla arrived in Tel Aviv for a series of high-level meetings with Israeli military leadership, according to a statement on Tuesday.

CENTCOM said in a written statement that Kurilla's visit is aimed at gaining "a clear understanding of Israel's defense requirements, outline U.S. support efforts to avoid expansion of the conflict, and reiterate the Department of Defense's ironclad support for Israel."

He is scheduled to meet with Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

"I'm here to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, and am particularly focused on avoiding other parties expanding the conflict," Kurilla said.

US President Joe Biden is also expected to visit Israel on Wednesday.