The Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post reported that one of the major joint maneuvers between the United States and Israel will begin today, Tuesday, to simulate offensive strikes against the Iranian nuclear program.
The newspaper said that the maneuvers, which will take place over the Mediterranean Sea and continue until next Thursday, include conducting long-range sorties to simulate the tasks that fighters need to reach Iran.
The newspaper added that Israel "has raised the level of its readiness for a military option against Iran's nuclear facilities."
These maneuvers come shortly after the return of the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, Aviv Kochavi, from Washington. During the visit, he met with senior military leaders in the United States.
Kochavi said that the next stage will witness a tangible expansion of the area of joint activities between the Israeli army and the US Central Command, stressing that the Israeli army will continue to work intensively against the Iranian entrenchment in the region.
And Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in December 2021 that "there may be no escape from striking Iran," confirming Israel's readiness for this possibility and the approval of the Ministerial Committee for Armaments to purchase weapons and ammunition.
Early this year, the Israeli army participated for the first time in the largest multinational naval maneuvers led by the United States in the Red Sea, and the two armies have also conducted several joint air defense exercises in recent years.