Top U.S. general in the Middle East, Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, made an unannounced visit to Israel amid the country’s escalating conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Gen. Kurilla arrived in Tel Aviv to hold high-level meetings with Israeli military leaders, including Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.

This visit comes in preparation for an expected Israeli ground assault in Gaza, with President Biden planning to visit Israel and Secretary of State Antony Blinken already there for talks with Israel’s war cabinet.

The purpose of Gen. Kurilla’s trip is to understand Israel’s defense requirements, outline U.S. support efforts to prevent an expansion of the conflict, and express the Department of Defense’s strong support for Israel.

The U.S. has increased its military assets in the region since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in additional support and military deployments to deter foreign aggressors. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out intense airstrikes and artillery campaigns against Hamas, with a significant civilian casualty count, including children, and a blockade on Gaza.