IDF Chief of Staff Meets Gulf Military Leaders in Germany

Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir attended a closed-door meeting in Germany last week with senior military officials from seven Arab nations, according to Axios, citing two Israeli officials. The meeting was organized by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper and included representatives from Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt.

Discussions focused on the conflict with Iran and the regional security situation. Admiral Cooper reportedly assured participants that the U.S. has no intention of withdrawing its forces from the region despite Iranian attacks on American bases and outlined plans to increase shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Chief of Staff Zamir briefed attendees on the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) operations across various fronts.

CENTCOM confirmed the meeting, stating that participants discussed expanding security cooperation in the Middle East. Axios also reported that Israel and Saudi Arabia, with CENTCOM's mediation, are exploring potential Israeli assistance to Saudi forces in combating the Houthis. This assistance could involve sharing intelligence and surveillance data, mirroring Israel's cooperation model with the UAE.