The U.S. military has determined that cooperation in the Muslim world was hampered by Washington's relationship with Israel.

U.S. Central Command has assessed that its programs in the Middle East and other areas were harmed by Muslim criticism of Israel. The military command deemed Arab-Israeli tension a major driver of instability and obstacle to security.

"The enduring hostilities between Israel and some of its neighbors present distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests in the AOR (area of responsibility)," Centcom chief Gen. David Petraeus said.

In a statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Petraeus listed what he termed "insufficient progress toward a comprehensive Middle East peace" as a leading obstacle to U.S. military cooperation. The Centcom chief ranked this over such regional threats as weapons of mass destruction and Al Qaida.

Centcom said both Iran and Al Qaida have exploited Muslim anger toward Israel. He said Teheran has used Arab-Israel tension to extend its influence throughout the Middle East.

"The conflict also gives Iran influence in the Arab world through its clients, Lebanese Hizbullah and Hamas," Petraeus said.