Israeli defense minister meets US Central Command chief to discuss readiness for Iran attack

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant met Friday with US Central Command head Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla at the Hatzor Airbase in Israel to discuss readiness for a possible Iranian attack on Israel, the ministry said in a statement.

“We are prepared to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners, and we will know how to respond,” said Gallant.

"Our enemies think that they can pull apart Israel and the United States, but the opposite is true, they are bringing us together and strengthening our ties. We stand shoulder to shoulder,” he said after the meeting.

The Israel Defense Ministry said both sides discussed assessments regarding the possibility of an Iranian attack on Israel that could lead to regional escalation.

It said Galant "thanked General Kurilla for his contribution to the deep and special relationship between the two countries and for the unwavering support of the United States alongside Israel.”

Galant added: “I am convinced that the world understands well who Iran is, leading terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East, funding Hamas and Hezbollah, and other forces, and now threatening the state of Israel.”

Israel is preparing for the possibility of retaliatory attacks from Iran following the assassination of Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi and other top officials in an airstrike in Syria.

Tehran claims the April 1 airstrike targeted the consular section building of its embassy in Damascus.

The schedule of the US general's visit to Israel has not been disclosed.