Israel thanks the US Central Command Commander Michael Kurilla for his support as his term in post ended

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir expressed his gratitude to outgoing US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Michael Kurilla for his support for the genocide being committed by Tel Aviv against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

This came according to an Israeli military statement on Monday, while Kurilla completed his duties on Saturday and handed over his position to Admiral Brad Cooper, who had held the position since April 2022.

Since the start of the war 22 months ago, Michael Kurilla has made numerous visits to Israel, and photos of him coordinating the assault on Gaza with Israeli military officials have been published.

Kurilla was the first US military official to arrive in Israel following the 12-day aggression against Iran, which began on June 13.

According to an Israeli military statement: “The commander of the US Central Command concluded his tenure at the end of last week, and as part of the conclusion of his duties, he visited Israel several weeks ago as an official guest of the Chief of the General Staff”.

The statement quoted Zamir as expressing his great appreciation for the joint work, as well as his significant contributions to the IDF in recent years, during the meeting with Kurilla.

Zamir also stressed his appreciation for the support provided by the US military throughout Operation Iron Sword (against Gaza).

Addressing Michael Kurilla, he added, “You’re a true friend of Israel… Your leadership has strengthened the bonds between the two countries, led to an enduring personal friendship, and also laid the foundations for a more secure and stable future for our children and grandchildren”.

Praising the US support during the ongoing war in Gaza, Zamir said, “Since the beginning of Operation Iron Sword (October 7, 2023), I’ve advanced American military support for Israel and strengthened regional cooperation”.

Days after Kurilla’s visit, the Israeli Haaretz newspaper revealed US documents indicating that the United States is spending hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Israel, which continues the war in the Gaza Strip.

According to official documents issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers, “The United States is establishing infrastructure to accommodate the Israeli Air Force’s new tanker planes and helicopters, as well as a new headquarters for the Israeli Navy’s commando unit, among other projects,” according to Haaretz.

The Israeli newspaper reported that, “According to the documents, the United States is building 20 military sites in Israel at a total cost of $1.5 billion”.

Israel receives $3.8 billion annually in US aid under a memorandum of understanding signed with the administration of former President Barack Obama, covering the period from 2019 to 2028.

The massive military support provided by the United States to Israel contradicts its mediation role in indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

It also conflicts with claims by US officials regarding their country’s commitment to ending the war in Gaza.