The military chiefs of Israel, the United States and several Arab countries met in Germany last week to discuss the war with Iran and regional tensions, according to Axios.
The private meeting took place at a secluded ski resort. US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Brad Cooper organized the meeting, Axios reported.
Military chiefs from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt also attended.
IDF Chief Briefs Military Leaders
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir briefed the participants on Israeli military operations on several fronts, according to two Israeli officials cited by Axios.
The meeting marked the first gathering of its kind since the United States and Israel began their joint military campaign against Iran in February, the report said.
The countries have held similar meetings in the past. However, Israel does not have diplomatic relations with several participating Arab states.
US Military Presence in Region
Cooper told the military chiefs that the United States would maintain its forces in the region despite Iranian attacks on US bases, Axios reported.
He also briefed the participants on US plans to expand maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is a major global shipping route. Before Iran began blocking the strait and attacking vessels, it carried about one-fifth of the world’s energy supply, according to the report.
CENTCOM confirmed the Germany meeting to Axios.
The US military command said it hosted senior military leaders from eight nations during a scheduled conference in Germany. It said the participants discussed ways to strengthen security cooperation in the Middle East.
Israel and Saudi Arabia Discuss Houthi Threat
A source familiar with the matter told Axios that Israel and Saudi Arabia are also discussing possible cooperation against Houthi advances toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
CENTCOM is assisting the contacts, according to the source.
The discussions come amid renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi group. The source said Israel is unlikely to carry out offensive operations against the Houthis.
Israel Hayom also reported on Tuesday that CENTCOM had been overseeing contacts between Israel and Saudi Arabia over Houthi attacks.
The IDF declined to comment to The Times of Israel on the Germany meeting.
