Closed meeting of US, Israeli and Arab military officials held in Germany — Jerusalem Post
A private meeting of senior military commanders from the United States, Israel and several Arab states took place in Germany last week. The event was organized by US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing Axios and CENTCOM confirmation.
According to Axios, military leaders from Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt took part in the meeting. CENTCOM said it hosted senior military representatives from eight Middle Eastern countries to discuss opportunities to strengthen regional security cooperation. The conference was not announced in advance.
Coordination without a formal alliance
Saudi political analyst Abdulaziz Al-Shaabani cautioned against interpreting the meeting as evidence that Riyadh is preparing for direct military cooperation with Israel. According to him, possible intelligence coordination will likely remain limited and pragmatic, while Saudi Arabia will rely primarily on its own security mechanisms and broader regional formats.
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Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, but both countries are concerned about the actions of Iran and Yemen's Houthis. In July, CENTCOM reported that the United States and regional partners were operating under a large-scale regional air and missile defense umbrella. An air defense coordination cell established in January is intended to improve information sharing, threat warnings and responses to regional crises.
Threats from Yemen and US contacts
The meeting took place amid increased pressure by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that during the group's latest offensive, it captured the Yemeni city of Mocha and Perim Island, strengthening its positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi authorities also said they intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca; the group denied targeting the city while acknowledging other operations against Saudi targets.
According to Reuters, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested US military assistance, but Washington limited itself to intelligence and targeting support, without carrying out direct strikes against the Houthis. US officials also held a meeting with Houthi representatives in Oman, but the US State Department did not confirm reports of those talks.
