Media: Dozens of Israeli military aircraft fly near Iran's border, simulating strikes against Iran
Xinhua News Agency, Jerusalem, October 21 (Reporter Wang Zhuolun) According to a report from Israel's Channel 12 on the 21st, dozens of Israeli fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft flew over Syrian and Iraqi airspace earlier this week, turning back after approaching the Iranian border.
The report cited two senior U.S. officials as saying that the operation took place from the evening of the 19th to the early morning of the 20th, with Israeli military aircraft flying in formations and routes similar to those used for strikes against Iran.
According to the report, Israel informed the United States in advance about the operation, describing it as an exercise aimed at deterring Iran and demonstrating the military capabilities of the Israeli forces. U.S. officials believe that Israel may be trying to provoke Iran's air defense systems into firing at Israeli aircraft, thereby obtaining a pretext for launching military strikes against Iran.
The Israeli government has not yet commented on this.
The U.S. news site Axios reported on the 19th, citing informed sources, that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Israel that day and met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Currently, tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, with only six days remaining until Israel's parliamentary elections on October 27. Earlier on the 21st, Netanyahu stated that only by overthrowing the Iranian regime can the so-called threat posed by Iran to Israel be completely eliminated.
Israeli fighter jets and refueling aircraft conducted a simulated strike operation near the Iranian border, flying over Syrian and Iraqi airspace between October 19 and 20, 2023. This operation was intended to demonstrate military capability and deter Iran, with prior notification given to the U.S. Officials believe Israel may be attempting to provoke a response from Iranian defenses. Tensions between the two nations are rising ahead of Israel's parliamentary elections.
- Dozens of Israeli fighter jets and refueling aircraft flew near the Iranian border.
- The operation occurred between October 19 and 20, 2023.
- Israel informed the U.S. about the operation, describing it as a deterrent exercise.
- The operation aimed to provoke a response from Iranian air defenses.
- Tensions between Israel and Iran are escalating ahead of Israeli elections.