IDF: Zamir’s meeting with US CENTCOM chief aided countries’ ‘close strategic relationship’

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir (left) meets with US CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper at the Israeli military's headquarters in Tel Aviv, January 24, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir (left) meets with US CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper at the Israeli military's headquarters in Tel Aviv, January 24, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

In a statement, the IDF says yesterday’s meetings between US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other top Israeli military officers enhanced the “close strategic relationship” between the sides.

The military does not specify the topics of the meetings. But Cooper’s visit to Israel comes amid heightened tensions with Iran and a reported disagreement between Israeli and US officials over the next steps in the Gaza ceasefire.

Cooper and Zamir first held an “extended one-on-one meeting,” which was followed by one with other Israeli generals, the IDF says.

“This engagement serves as another expression of the relationship between the commanders and constitutes an additional step in enhancing the close strategic relationship between the IDF and US military and in strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations,” the statement says.

The IDF has been on high alert and has carried out preparations in recent weeks after US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran, against the backdrop of the regime’s killing of protesters.

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