US general's visit to Israel in response to Iran attack threat includes review of military capabilities.

Gen. Michael Kurilla of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) met with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant as tensions with Tehran escalate, following the destruction of an Iranian consulate in Damascus.

"Gallant emphasized the significance of close cooperation between U.S. and Israeli forces in ensuring regional stability and security after a meeting in which the two military leaders discussed defending freedom and common values."

"Gallant thanked the general for his leadership and commitment to the strong relationship between our militaries, defense establishments, and nations, while emphasizing the need to address "rising regional challenges resulting from Iranian aggression through proxies.""

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed during a press conference Thursday that Kurilla's visit to Israel was brought forward due to threats from Iran against Israel, even though Tehran continues to make promises of action.

"Ryder stated that he moved up his trip to meet with key IDF leadership to discuss current security threats in the region. However, beyond that, he referred to CENTCOM for further information. Additionally, he mentioned that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Gallant to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies in the Middle East."

"Ryder stated, "We are closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with the Israelis, including a phone call with Minister Gallant today.""

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated during a briefing on Thursday that Kurilla's visit included a "strategic operational assessment of the challenges in the region" to maintain a "firm and tight" strategic connection between the two militaries.

""We are always ready for defense and attack, with various IDF capabilities and strategic partners," Hagari stated."

"Iran has been funding and arming its proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, Iraq, and Yemen to attack Israel and other countries in the region and beyond for years, and more so during the war," Hagari stated. "An attack from Iranian territory will reveal Iran's true intentions and end its hiding behind proxies."

"Our multilayer defense system, which has been tested and proven effective during the war with thousands of successful interceptions, is not foolproof. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the home front command safety guidelines."

Kurilla met with Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the chief of the general staff of the Israeli Navy, to discuss the continuation of cooperation and the sharing of operational capabilities between the two militaries last year.

In the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, near the southern mouth of the Red Sea, the U.S. and Israeli navies collaborated on a joint maritime exercise at that time.

"During his previous visit to the IDF, Kurilla was thoroughly impressed by the combat readiness he saw there. He stated that our military-to-military relationship with Israel remains ironclad."

On Thursday, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, reaffirmed the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel, particularly in the face of threats from Iran and its allies.

Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian President, last week pledged revenge against Israel after the consulate in Damascus was destroyed. He labeled the attack as a "shameful act" and stated that it would not be left unanswered.

Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's secretary-general, spoke at Iran's Quds Day event days later, assuring that Iran's response to the targeting of the Damascus consulate is inevitable and that Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy group, is fully prepared for any war.

On Sunday, Hossein Amirabdollahian, Iran's Foreign Minister, communicated to the U.S. through Oman that Iran would act but would do so in a manner that would prevent significant escalation and not act impulsively, according to Reuters.

Iran will continue to push for a Gaza truce as part of its demands, according to a source familiar with U.S. intelligence. They said that Iran has been very clear about its intent to respond in a controlled and non-escalatory manner.