Top U.S. general in the Middle East, Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, made an unannounced visit to Israel amid the country’s escalating conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Gen. Kurilla arrived in Tel Aviv to hold high-level meetings with Israeli military leaders, including Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.
This visit comes in preparation for an expected Israeli ground assault in Gaza, with President Biden planning to visit Israel and Secretary of State Antony Blinken already there for talks with Israel’s war cabinet.
The purpose of Gen. Kurilla’s trip is to understand Israel’s defense requirements, outline U.S. support efforts to prevent an expansion of the conflict, and express the Department of Defense’s strong support for Israel.
The U.S. has increased its military assets in the region since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in additional support and military deployments to deter foreign aggressors. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out intense airstrikes and artillery campaigns against Hamas, with a significant civilian casualty count, including children, and a blockade on Gaza.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
The top U.S. general in the Middle East visited Israel early Tuesday in an unannounced trip as the country intensifies its fight with Palestinian militant group Hamas.
U.S. Central Command head Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla arrived in Tel Aviv “to conduct high level meetings with Israel’s military leadership” including Israeli Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, according to a Pentagon statement.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reportedly ordered 2,000 U.S. troops to prepare to deploy in support of Israel in an advising and medical role.
Ahead of that, the Pentagon sent two carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean to act as a deterrent amid concerns foreign aggressors could engage in the war.
In addition, Washington has sent munitions and interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system and moved U.S. fighter jets to the region.
Israel, meanwhile, has conducted an intense airstrike and artillery campaign against Iran-backed Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
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