Secret military meeting of the US, Israel and Arab states in Germany

In a secluded ski resort

Citing two Israeli officials, Axios reported that the meeting, which took place at a secluded ski resort, was organized by the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Adm. Brad Cooper.

It was the first gathering of this type since the US and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on February 28.

However, according to the website, similar meetings were held previously despite the lack of diplomatic relations between Israel and some of the Arab states involved, in particular Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The latter was referred to as an "enemy state" by several leading Israeli politicians, the Times of Israel website emphasized.

"Operation on different fronts"

During the meeting, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, General Ejal Zamir, presented his counterparts with information on "army operations on various fronts."

Admiral Cooper assured the gathered partners that the American military will not withdraw from the region, despite Iranian attacks on US bases.

The head of CENTCOM also discussed American plans to increase maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz - a key shipping route through which one fifth of global oil and gas exports were transported before the war, before Iran began blocking this water area and attacking civilian ships.

CENTCOM confirmed that the meeting took place

In a statement to Axios confirming the meeting, the CENTCOM command said it "hosted high-ranking military commanders from eight countries during the scheduled conference in Germany." It added that the leaders "discussed opportunities to strengthen security cooperation in the Middle East."

A source familiar with the matter also told Axios that Israel and Saudi Arabia, with the support of CENTCOM, are discussing ways in which Israel could help the Saudis counter Houthi rebels. The source added that Israel is unlikely to take any offensive action.

Israeli-Saudi contacts are related to the intensification of Houthi attacks on the territory and infrastructure of Saudi Arabia in the last week. Houthi drones struck, among others: in the Saudi East-West pipeline and pumping stations, which led to the suspension of oil shipments and hit international markets. Riyadh also said its forces shot down a rebel drone that was heading towards Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims.

After Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026, Saudi Arabia redirected part of its oil exports via the East-West pipeline to a port on the Red Sea, from where the raw material was transported to Asia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.