US Central Command published a post in Hebrew Tuesday on its X (formerly Twitter) account, referencing a previous joint drill with Israel. But embedded in the post was a message clearly aimed at Israeli ears.
ינואר 2023: לפני שנתיים, כוחות פיקוד מרכז של ארה"ב וצה"ל @idfonline השתתפו בתרגיל "Juniper Oak 23-2", תרגיל צבאי דו-צדדי שנועד לשפר את יכולת הפעולה ההדדית בין צבאות ארה"ב וישראל. היחידות שלנו תמיד מוכנות לפעול יחד משום שאנו תמיד מתאמנים יחד. pic.twitter.com/yUKngOoevO
— פיקוד מרכז של ארצות הברית (@CENTCOMHebrew) April 14, 2025
"January 2023: Two years ago, US Central Command and the IDF participated in the 'Juniper Oak 23-2' exercise, a bilateral military drill designed to enhance operational coordination between the US and Israeli militaries. Our units are always ready to operate together because we always train together," the post read. The image attached to it showed Israeli and American fighter jets, with the phrase "All units ready" – a heavy hint to the popular song "Harbu Darbu" by Ness & Stilla.
In recent weeks, the American military presence in the region has reached significant levels, as nuclear negotiations with Iran continue and President Donald Trump has issued an explicit military threat to Tehran. Two aircraft carriers — the Carl Vinson and the Harry Truman - are currently operating in the area. The former is carrying advanced F-35 fighter jets. At the same time, at least six B-2 strategic bombers have been deployed to Diego Garcia air base. These bombers are capable of carrying the 14-ton Massive Ordnance Penetrator, known as the "bunker-buster" bomb.
Just last week, it was reported that the US delivered two Patriot missile batteries and a THAAD missile defense system to the Israeli Air Force base in Nevatim. Security experts have described the American force build-up as "military movement at neck-breaking speed" - a clear signal to Iran of what may unfold if the nuclear talks fail to yield an agreement.
Since launching its Hebrew-language social media account, US Central Command has gone viral on Israeli networks, regularly sharing Shabbat and holiday greetings in its own distinctive style.
