The officer, a former fighter pilot, is meant to boost communication between the militaries as they seek to counter Iran

The move, announced in January, is meant to improve communucation and coordination between Israel and other US allies in the region in fight against Iran

Change approved during Trump's final days shifts Israel out of US military's European Command sphere, will allow for greater regional collaboration against Iran

In second-ever visit by the head of the US Central Command, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie lands amid ongoing tensions over American withdrawal from the region