The US and Israel today launched “the most significant joint military exercise in the history of the two countries,” as a US official described it, involving thousands of troops, dozens of ships and hundreds of aircraft (B-52s). , F-35, F-15, F-16, F-18, etc.).

Universities”juniper oak“, which will last until Friday, are designed to demonstrate and deepen the integration of the US and Israeli armed forces, said a senior US Department of Defense official, at a time of rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

The exercise, which will also include live firing, will involve 6,400 US soldiers, many of whom will be aboard the USS George HW Bush.

Planning for secondary schools began just a few months ago, before conservative Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power on December 29.

Israel opposes US President Joe Biden’s efforts to restart the deal on Iran’s nuclear program as it fears the deal will not prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

But for now, those talks are on the back burner as Washington presses Tehran to stop delivering drones to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.

A senior US official said America’s commitment to Israel’s security is “unwavering.”

“We have Israeli governments of different shades. They come and go. But what doesn’t change is our unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” the official said.

Iran’s nuclear program continues to be of concern.

“I think it’s fair to say that Iran’s nuclear program is now more advanced than ever… Their knowledge and experience have increased,” the official said.

Source: APE-MPE, Reuters.