Eyeing Iran, Israel tests missile defenses with U.S.
The two-week biennial drill will include a simulation of an Iranian missile attack on Israel.
By Reuters, Anshel Pfeffer and Haaretz Corresponent Tags: Iran US Israel news Israel defenseIsrael and the United States launched a major air defense drill on Wednesday which will include a preparation for a faceoff with Iran.
During the two-week maneuvers, dubbed Juniper Cobra, some 1,000 American personnel will mesh ground- and ship-based missile interceptors like the Aegis, THAAD and Patriot with Israel's Arrow II ballistic shield, defense officials said.
The drill's main scenario will be an Iranian missile attack on Israel. In the scenario, American units come to Israel's aid in order to strengthen the IDF's missile defense system.
Israel, which is assumed to have the Middle East's only atomic arsenal, has hinted it could resort to force to prevent its arch-foe attaining the means to threaten its existence.
As part of the drill framework, rescue units of the Home Front Command will practice a quick response to a missile attack on Israel's home front. They will also simulate an attack of missiles with unconventional warheads on the missile batteries and will perform purification exercises on them.
The United States and other world powers are trying to talk Tehran into giving up nuclear technologies with bomb-making potential, while the Israelis watch warily from the sidelines.
But some analysts believe that tactical limitations, and U.S. misgivings about pre-emptive strikes, may compel Israel to accept a more defensive posture with the help of its top ally.
Iran denies seeking the bomb and has threatened to retaliate for any attack by firing its medium-range missiles at Israel.
The drill will take place Thursday in central Israel.
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Personal or not, he acted the right way. Someone had to finally do it.Even the US, France and England together with the UN (except for micronesia) have made it clear that another Gaza or Lebanon will not be tolerated. Erdogan simply criticised the excessive use of force. You cant compare Hamas rocket attacks with the Israeli attacks and then punish 1.4 million. Good for Erdogan
He just acts as per his personal feelings.
Turkey as part of NATO. Nato holds regular, or periodic drills with all NATO members. Th edrill that was cancelled will be rescheduled.
The going on US-Israel drill shows to Turkey what the US thinks about Turkey. The US promptly annulled the US-NATO-Israel-Turkey drill when Turkey ousted Israel from that drill. The pro-Iran Turkish PM Erdogan should think twice next time when asking for a joint drill with the US.