The IDF chief said U.S. Gen. Michael Kurilla "significantly advanced Israel's security," highlighting joint actions against Iran and its proxies.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir expressed his appreciation to U.S. Army Gen. Michael Kurilla, who on Friday stepped down for his post as head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), calling him a “true friend of Israel.”
Zamir emphasized in a statement on Sunday Kurilla’s close coordination with Israel during his more-than-three-year tenure, which “significantly advanced Israel’s security and its regional stability,” highlighting joint American-Israeli actions during the Swords of Iron war and in particular the 12-day “Operation Rising Lion” against the Iranian regime in June.
Kurilla’s visited Israel in early July, when he was presented with the achievements of the Iranian operation. He also visited the Israeli Air Force’s underground operations headquarters.
The American general came again on Aug. 1, during a farewell tour of the Middle East. During his 40th visit to Israel, Kurilla visited the Western Wall for the first time.