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In Israel, CENTCOM chief Cooper discusses Iran and Gaza
U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper discussed developments in Iran and Gaza with Eyal Zamir and other Israeli military officials in Israel. The visit came as pressure between Washington and Tel Aviv continued over moving to the second phase of the Gaza cease-fire plan.
U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper traveled to Israel after engagements in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, where he discussed developments in Iran and Gaza with Israeli military officials.
After the hours-long visit, Cooper returned to the United States. He met with Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials.
Tensions with Iran and regional mediation
The talks in Israel took place as efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran continued. Following the military clashes between the United States and Iran, regional initiatives and mediation efforts have continued with the aim of reducing tensions and reaching new understandings.
During this process, optimistic statements by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. Vice President JD Vance that a new cease-fire agreement could be reached also came to the fore.
U.S. preparations in the Middle East
The United States has maintained a high state of alert in the Middle East, with thousands of American troops deployed in the region alongside numerous refueling aircraft, fighter jets and air defense systems.
Second phase of the Gaza cease-fire
Cooper’s talks with Israeli officials also covered developments in Gaza. Washington wants Israel to move to the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s cease-fire plan.
Although the Peace Council announced that an agreement had been reached on the demilitarization of Gaza, disagreements remain over the sequence in which the second phase will be implemented. The disarmament of weapons and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza are among the main issues under discussion.
Israel’s security cabinet is expected to discuss a new plan and timetable for a gradual withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip. Under the plan, the withdrawal would be conditional on Hamas being disarmed and the administration of Gaza being transferred to a committee made up of Palestinian technocrats.
Hamas, meanwhile, demands that Israel fulfill its obligations under the first phase of the cease-fire before the second phase can begin. The movement argues that conditions such as halting attacks, allowing humanitarian aid to enter and opening crossing points have not been met.
Hamas also links steps on heavy weapons to Israel’s withdrawal and other arrangements under the second phase. These arrangements include the administrative committee beginning its work, the deployment of an international force and the launch of reconstruction efforts.
A cease-fire agreement has been in effect in the Gaza Strip since October 10, 2025. Disarmament, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, transitional administration and reconstruction are among the main issues in the agreement’s second phase.
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