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AzerNEWS Staff

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US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Adm. Brad Cooper made a brief visit to Israel on Saturday, holding talks with senior Israeli military officials on developments involving Iran and the Gaza Strip before returning to the United States, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported.

Cooper met with Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials during the visit, according to KAN.

The CENTCOM chief arrived in Israel following meetings in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, as Washington continues diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions with Iran.

The visit comes amid heightened regional security concerns following recent US-Iran military confrontations and continuing efforts to establish new understandings and prevent further escalation.

KAN reported that US forces remain on heightened alert across the Middle East, with Washington maintaining aerial refuelling aircraft, fighter jets, air defence systems and thousands of troops in the region.

Gaza ceasefire enters difficult second phase

Cooper’s discussions also focused on developments in Gaza as Washington presses Israel to advance the next stage of President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan.

According to KAN, the talks followed understandings reached by the Peace Council on the disarmament of Gaza. However, significant disagreements remain over the sequencing of the second phase, particularly Hamas’ disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave.

Israel’s Security Cabinet is expected to consider the proposed plan and its timeline, including a gradual Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza.

Under the reported framework, the withdrawal would be conditional on Hamas disarming and the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer Gaza.

Hamas has argued that implementation of the second phase must first be preceded by Israel fulfilling commitments made under the first phase, including halting attacks, allowing humanitarian assistance into Gaza and opening crossings. The group says Israel has not fully met those obligations.

Hamas has also linked discussions over its heavy weapons to a complete Israeli withdrawal and implementation of other second-phase arrangements, including the deployment of the proposed administrative committee and an international force, as well as the launch of reconstruction efforts.

The Gaza ceasefire has been in effect since October 10, 2025, but major issues including Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, transitional governance and reconstruction remain unresolved.

Cooper’s visit therefore comes at a sensitive juncture, with Washington simultaneously managing tensions with Iran and seeking to move the Gaza ceasefire from an initial cessation of hostilities towards a more comprehensive political and security arrangement.