Tel Aviv: Israeli Minster of Defence Benny Ganz met on May 18 with the top American defence figures and brought to Washington’s attention the updated data about the Iranian nuclear program in an attempt to foil any American intent to sign a new nuclear agreement with Iran.
The visit takes place while the Israeli defence forces (IDF) are performing the month-long “Chariots of Fire ” exercise that among other things simulates an Israeli attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities.
Israel has decided to expose the overall exercise to attack Iran, because of the opportunity it has identified to attack nuclear facilities in the event of a multi-scene campaign. In the event of such a war on the northern and southern fronts at the same time, Iran could also join – and this could be an Israeli opportunity to attack back.
As part of the exercise, the Israeli forces – mainly air and sea will work on building tactics to hit a long list of targets in Iran. The Americans will participate by sending their aerial refuelling aircraft to train with the Israeli air force.
The exercise simulating an Israeli attack on Iran will take place in Cyprus in the fourth and final week of the “Chariots of Fire”. This exercise takes place in parallel with another fruitless diplomatic effort to sign a new improved nuclear agreement with Iran.
The understanding in Israel is that only a real and significant military option of the Israeli and the Americans, can make Tehran resume nuclear negotiations and revealing the real status of their nuclear program. The Israeli defence establishment, understands that while the IDF is preparing a real and serious military option, only when it comes with a similar American threat, it will be perceived differently by the Iranians.
And in the meantime, Israel continues to attack Iranian related targets in Syria. In recent attack, the Israeli air force hit some underground facilities that have served the Iranians.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
