Both Hezbollah and Israel have been making demonstrative shows of force, each in an effort to intimidate the other side. Israeli jets recently practiced mid-air refueling to prepare for long-range sorties, the military announced Aug. 16 in what was seen as a stark warning to Iran, as Hezbollah sought to flex its own muscle by showing off an underground silo for precision missiles, reports the Times of Israel.
The Israeli Air Force’s drill on Aug. 15 “simulated a long-range flight deep in enemy territory, while conducting aerial refueling several times in short periods,” the IDF said, in an apparent reference to a potential strike into Iran or deep in Lebanon. Both strikes would likely involve the use of air-to-air refuelers. The drill was carried out over Israeli airspace and involved one of the IAF’s Boeing 707 refueling planes, and several F-35i and F-15 fighter jets.
Acting on an initiative that would guarantee a broader conflict, Foreign Minister of Israel Katz told his British and French counterparts on Aug. 16 that he sought a commitment from U.S. allies to join in retaliatory military action against Iran should it strike Israel.
