IDF Chief Meets Arab Generals in Bahrain

In a groundbreaking meeting kept under wraps due to regional sensitivities, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi convened with senior military officials from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt in Bahrain. This confidential gathering, organized by US Central Command (CENTCOM), took place in Manama on Monday, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the event.

The meeting, which has not been publicly acknowledged, marks a significant step in military cooperation between Israel and its Arab neighbors, amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. US General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM’s commander, was also present, underscoring the strategic partnership aimed at countering the Iranian threat and its proxies in the region.

The US has long been working to foster military ties between Israel and Sunni Arab states, with the Abraham Accords of 2020 serving as a crucial milestone. These accords normalized relations between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, enhancing regional collaboration. Additionally, Israel's move to the US Central Command in 2021 further solidified this alliance.

The cooperation is not limited to talks but has practical implications. In April, the US coordinated efforts with regional allies to thwart an Iranian missile and drone barrage aimed at Israel. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, contributed intelligence, aiding the interception of over 300 threats. The IDF, with support from the US and other allies, neutralized nearly 99 percent of these threats, with only minor damage reported, although a 7-year-old Bedouin girl was seriously injured by shrapnel.

This meeting comes eight months into Israel's war against Hamas, initiated after the group’s devastating cross-border attack on October 7. The violence led to the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals, with 120 hostages still held by Hamas. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, Iran's proxy, escalated attacks from Lebanon, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and alleged strikes on related infrastructure in Syria.

The discussions between Halevi and the Arab generals, along with CENTCOM’s involvement, highlight a strategic pivot in the region, focusing on building a united front against Iran’s regional ambitions. The US continues to support these efforts, working to strengthen regional stability and security.

As Israel navigates these complex dynamics, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a future where peace and security prevail.

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