The Israeli army continued one of its largest military maneuvers since its establishment, by training on scenarios that simulate targeting nuclear facilities deep in Iranian territory, in the presence of Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi.
In parallel, former Army Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot said that the Israeli military operations have impeded Iran’s turning into a nuclear state.
Eisenkot, who was speaking on Wednesday during the Security and Strategy Conference at the Academic College in Netanya, said: “Israel is carrying out various operations to strike Iran’s military nuclear capabilities. Had it not been for these operations, Iran would have turned into a nuclear state 7 or 10 years ago.”
Avichay Adraee, the spokesman of the Israeli Army to the Arabic media, had spoken frankly about direct war plans against Iran, pointing to ongoing maneuvers in Cyprus.
In a statement on Wednesday, Adraee said that dozens of Israeli fighters carried out exercises simulating a large-scale strike on Iran.
He noted that the Israeli Air Force aircraft simulated a long-range flight, aerial refueling and striking distant targets.
Gantz and Kohavi flew to Cyprus to oversee the training. They met with the chief of the Cypriot military, Demokritos Zervakis and participated in an assessment of the planning of exercises and the deployment of forces, including the navy, and other special forces.
According to a statement issued by the Israeli army, “the two sides discussed the common security challenges in the Middle East, and opportunities to expand cooperation between the two armies.”
In turn, Gantz said: “This is the culmination of one of the largest and most comprehensive exercises we have done over the years.”
“The Israeli army will deal a severe blow to anyone who seeks to threaten the citizens of the State of Israel,” he added.
