(Republicaninformer.com)- Last Tuesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its air force would be holding a series of joint drills with the US Air Force both over Israel and the Mediterranean sea.
According to an IDF statement, the drills would include fighter jets and refueling aircraft which would play out “a number of scenarios in the face of regional threats,” including simulating strikes on Iran and its proxy militias in the region.
Discussions on holding the joint drill came during IDF chief Avi Kohavi’s recent visit to Washington to pressure the Biden White House and the Pentagon for reinforced planning for combined offenses against Iran.
Kohavi and US officials agreed to the drill during his meetings with officials from the National Security Council, CIA, Pentagon, and State Department.
In a statement at the time, Kohavi said joint activity between the IDF and CENTCOM “will be significantly expanded in the near future” to “improve our capabilities toward the challenges in the region.”
Lt. Col. Michael Hertzog, a spokesman for the US Air Force’s Central Command confirmed in a statement that the Air Force will conduct fighter escort and refueling exercises as “part of a partner nation integration event.”
Hertzog said such drills are “routine” and are regularly conducted with “coalition and partner nation air forces across the region.”
Jerusalem has vehemently opposed the Biden administration’s attempt to revive the nuclear deal with Iran that exchanged sanctions relief for curbs on Tehran’s nuclear program.
However, the administration’s nuclear talks have fizzled in recent weeks as the United States has shifted its focus to the government’s human rights abuses in response to the ongoing protests in Iran.
Israel has been urging Washington to prepare military contingency plans to prevent Iran from obtaining nukes. While Biden has indicated that he is prepared to use military force if necessary, he remains committed to exhausting diplomatic efforts first.
