Secret security huddle: Why military chiefs of US, Israel and seven Arab states met in Germany
Senior military officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt attended the meeting
A confidential meeting in Germany brought together senior military leaders from the United States, Israel, and seven Arab countries to address the escalating security challenges in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the threat posed by Iran. The gathering, reportedly the first of its kind since increased hostilities with Iran, saw discussions led by US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, who reassured participants of continued US military presence and outlined strategies to bolster maritime security through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel's Chief of Staff provided an overview of its ongoing military activities across multiple fronts, underscoring the deepening security cooperation and intelligence sharing among these nations, a trend further solidified by initiatives like the Abraham Accords and defense technology deployments.
A confidential meeting in Germany brought together senior military leaders from the United States, Israel, and seven Arab countries to address the escalating security challenges in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the threat posed by Iran. The gathering, reportedly the first of its kind since increased hostilities with Iran, saw discussions led by US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, who reassured participants of continued US military presence and outlined strategies to bolster maritime security through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel's Chief of Staff provided an overview of its ongoing military activities across multiple fronts, underscoring the deepening security cooperation and intelligence sharing among these nations, a trend further solidified by initiatives like the Abraham Accords and defense technology deployments.
A confidential meeting in Germany brought together senior military leaders from the United States, Israel, and seven Arab countries to address the escalating security challenges in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the threat posed by Iran. The gathering, reportedly the first of its kind since increased hostilities with Iran, saw discussions led by US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, who reassured participants of continued US military presence and outlined strategies to bolster maritime security through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel's Chief of Staff provided an overview of its ongoing military activities across multiple fronts, underscoring the deepening security cooperation and intelligence sharing among these nations, a trend further solidified by initiatives like the Abraham Accords and defense technology deployments.
Top military commanders from the United States, Israel and seven Arab countries held a private meeting in Germany last week to discuss the security situation in the Middle East, according to a media report.
Citing two Israeli officers, Axios reported that senior military officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt attended the meeting. It was reportedly the first gathering of its kind since the US and Israel entered into a state of war with Iran more than six months ago.
None of the participating countries has officially commented on the meeting, which was organised by US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper. The gathering assumes significance as many of the Arab states have no formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
According to Axios, Cooper reassured the participants that the US military would not withdraw its forces from the region despite Iranian attacks on American bases. He also outlined US plans to increase maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
During the meeting, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eyal Zamir briefed the participants on Israel’s ongoing military operations across multiple fronts.
Military cooperation between Israel and several Arab states has expanded steadily since the 2020 Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain.
Israel has deployed its Iron Dome missile defence system in the UAE, along with personnel to operate it, and has expanded intelligence-sharing with other Gulf countries.
There have also been reports that Saudi Arabia has sought Israeli assistance in defending against Houthi attacks, despite Riyadh not being a party to the Abraham Accords. Saudi security officials have reportedly held talks with Israeli intelligence agencies in the presence of US Central Command officials.
On Tuesday, Saudi air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city as fighting spreads in the Middle East.
The drone, intercepted on Tuesday evening, was the second Houthi attempt to target Mecca after a ballistic missile launch in July 2017.