Illustrative image. (Israeli Air Force)
Dozens of Israeli fighter jets and refueling aircraft flew over Syria and Iraq toward Iran’s border earlier this week in a mission that U.S. officials suspect may have been intended to provoke Tehran into firing on them, Hebrew media reported Wednesday.
Israel informed Washington ahead of the flight, describing it as a military exercise and a show of force intended to deter Iran, Channel 12 reported, citing U.S. officials.
The aircraft followed a route resembling an attack on Iran but turned around shortly before reaching Iranian territory and returned to Israel.
Several sources told Channel 12 they suspected some Israeli officials may have hoped Iran would fire on the aircraft, providing Israel with a justification for launching an attack. The report said the flight covered more than 1,000 kilometers toward Iran, putting Israeli aircraft within range of Iranian air defenses.
The report comes amid growing tensions over the possibility of renewed Israeli strikes on Iran. The Financial Times reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to launch another offensive earlier this month, but President Donald Trump opposed renewed fighting before the U.S. midterm elections.
Channel 12 also reported that Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned his American counterpart, Gen. Dan Caine, that a war before Israel’s parliamentary elections next week would likely force a postponement of the vote. Zamir said Tuesday that the military would ensure the elections proceeded “without external interference.”
Israeli security officials have also expressed concern that recent remarks by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz could prompt Iran to consider a preemptive strike against Israel, according to Channel 12.
Security officials and opposition figures have urged Zamir to oppose an attack before the election unless there is a pressing military necessity, the network reported.
The latest report didn’t come as a surprise as dozens of Israeli aircraft were spotted over Syria and Iraq in recent days. The stunt demonstrates, however, that Israel is planning to reignite the war, and while Trump has managed to stop Netanyahu for now, he will likely join him in another attack against the Islamic Republic after the midterm elections.
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one thing is for certain, when this war starts once again the zios and americans will not have the element of surprise this time around.
elint
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