US and Israel Launch Joint Military Exercise
The Israeli and US militaries have reportedly begun joint exercises over the Mediterranean and in Israel, including live-fire drills and the midair refueling of nuclear-capable fighter jets, as tensions with Iran mount.
Facts
- The Israeli and US militaries have reportedly begun joint exercises over the Mediterranean and in Israel, including live-fire drills and the midair refueling of nuclear-capable fighter jets, as tensions with Iran mount.1
- The joint drill, launched on Sunday and dubbed Juniper Oak, reportedly included the Israeli Air Force carrying out airstrikes against “strategic targets in the depth,” in what is likely a reference to Iran’s nuclear facilities.2
- A statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Monday said, “The exercise continues and strengthens the operational cooperation between the militaries and takes place as part of the series of IDF exercises with the US Central Command." The statement didn't explicitly mention Iran.2
- The statement also said that the drills will incorporate "long range strategic striking.” The US Military Central Command (CENTCOM) said the drill demonstrates the US “commitment to Israel’s defense.”3
- The drills come as the US-Israel relationship has become increasingly strained, as US Pres. Joe Biden has criticized the country's right-wing government under PM Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks over expanding settlements in the West Bank and increasing settler violence.3
Sources: 1Democracy Now, 2The Times of Israel, and 3Al Jazeera.
Narratives
- Pro-Israel, as provided by Jerusalem Post. These drills will send a clear message to the Mullahs of the Islamic Republic: the US and Israel will not idly sit by as Iran tries to build a bomb. Iran, which continues to wreak havoc in the region, must be contained and, if necessary, its nuclear capabilities neutralized.
- Pro-Palestine, as provided by Al Jazeera. While the US touts its "ironclad" support for Israel and its opposition to Iran, Israel is committing serious war crimes under this current extremist settler government. Israel, which is increasingly described as an apartheid state, gets billions in US aid each year. Yet the US has continually failed to reign in Israel's most extreme and violent policies.
