Preparing for action in Iran? IAF practices strikes on distant targets
Security echelon concerned Iran is exploiting Israel's preoccupation with wars in Gaza and Lebanon to advance its nuclear program. Ultimately, Israel hopes for US intervention.
Lilach Shoval
Israel Hayom
Jun 27, 2024
The exercise over the Mediterranean and ‘involved long-range flight, aerial refueling and striking distant targets, the Israeli army said.
The Israeli Air Force has been conducting extensive training exercises simulating long-range strikes on distant targets, potentially in preparation for action against Iran. These drills come amid growing concerns that Tehran is exploiting Israel's current focus on the war against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip as well as against Hezbollah in Lebanon to accelerate its nuclear program.
According to reports obtained by Israel Hayom, the IAF has carried out several such exercises in recent weeks. These drills involve long-distance flights and operational activities targeting remote locations, incorporating refueling aircraft, transport planes, and additional units to prepare for potential operations in Iran.
The heightened focus on Iran stems from intelligence assessments suggesting Tehran is making "alarming and unprecedented" progress toward a military nuclear capability. This development has raised concerns within the security establishment, prompting the creation of an Iran department within the Air Force's operational headquarters during the ongoing war.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a recent meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Now is the time to fulfill the commitment made by all recent US administrations: preventing a nuclear Iran – time is running out on this issue."
Israeli defense officials have long maintained that once Iran makes the decision, it could potentially enrich enough uranium for several nuclear facilities within a short timeframe, possibly as little as a month. However, for years, Israel had diverted resources from Iran-focused preparations to other defense priorities. It was only about two years ago that funding began to shift back toward readiness for operations in the "third circle" – a term often used to refer to Iran.
While Israel is enhancing its preparedness, there is an acknowledgment within the country that its ability to prevent an Iranian nuclear program is limited compared to that of the United States. As a result, the IAF is refining its plans while hoping that American intervention will ultimately deter Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has condemned Iran's lack of cooperation, to which Tehran responded by announcing an increase in the number of centrifuges at its Fordo and Natanz facilities, effectively planning to boost its enriched uranium stockpile.
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