DM Gallant lauds US-Israeli relationship as 'unshakeable' while meeting US CENTCOM commander amid threat of imminent Iranian attack

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi met with U.S. CENTCOM Gen. Michael Kurilla on Monday to discuss defense cooperation, strategic issues, and joint regional assessments in light of increased tensions over a potential Iranian and Hezbollah attack on Israel.

During the meeting, which took place at the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in Tel Aviv, the three military leaders also "discussed ways to expand the international coalition facing aggressive activities by Iran and its proxies against Israel, and destabilizing the Middle East region,” the Israeli Defense Ministry said.

Gallant thanked Kurilla for his “leadership and personal commitment to restoring regional stability and ensuring Israel’s security.”

“The visit by CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla at this time is a direct translation of U.S. support for Israel into action,” Gallant said. “The relationship between Israel and the United States is unshakeable.”

Gallant also thanked U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for “standing with Israel at this time and taking action to further strengthen Israel’s defense capabilities.”

The Israeli defense minister met with the IAF commander, Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar, and senior Air Force officials for a briefing on air defense readiness and offensive capabilities.

“Our enemies are carefully considering their every move because of the capabilities you have demonstrated over the past year,” Gallant told them. “Nevertheless, we must be prepared for anything-including a swift transition to offense.”

Gallant observed the IAF’s preparations as well as “the possibilities of offensive action in all combat sectors,” the Defense Ministry said.

Reports of a likely attack by Iran and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon have circulated the internet since the back-to-back assassinations of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut in an Israeli strike, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. Iran has vowed to retaliate for Haniyeh’s death and “punish” Israel. The IDF has not taken responsibility for the Hamas leader's death.

In April, Iran launched more than 300 drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented act of revenge for the deaths of two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building two weeks before. The attack was foiled by a coalition made up of Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, resulting in 99% of the launches intercepted.