By JOHN VANDIVER | STARS AND STRIPES Published: January 15, 2021
STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. Central Command is now responsible for coordinating military activities with Israel, taking over a job that for decades was the task of U.S. European Command, The Wall Street Journal reported.
President Donald Trump ordered the shift during the last days of his administration, the report said Thursday, citing unnamed U.S. officials.
The switch was made as relations between Israel and multiple countries in the Muslim world have improved during the past year.
In August, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates normalized relations with Israel, marking a major diplomatic step forward. In August, Sudan recognized the Jewish state, and in December Morocco established diplomatic ties with Israel.