Israel, US to hold joint military drill to counter Hezbollah and Hamas missiles

The commanders of the Israeli and American Air Forces chose the name "Austere Challenge 12” for the major missile defense exercise that will be held in Israel soon, with the participation of hundreds of U.S. and European soldiers.         

Dozens of U.S. air force commanders are meeting with Israeli officials in Israel to prepare for this drill that will improve the interoperability of the Israeli and American defense systems and their ability to counter long-range missiles.       

According to the Israeli army, the exercise is their biggest joint maneuver in 48 years. Some considered that it is a response to the escalating Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and the dangers of the Iranian nuclear program.          

American and Israeli officers will discuss in Tel Aviv what they called “Hezbollah and Hamas’ long-range missile arsenal”. According to Israeli estimates, during the next war, at least 600 long-range missiles will be launched on the different Israeli regions; Tel Aviv will be hit by 3,000 medium-range missiles while Haifa and the surrounding northern towns will be struck by 12,000 short-range missiles.        

The Israeli preparations are not limited to their Air Force; the Israeli army announced that the current year will be the year of the “border walls” to protect Israel’s security. In fact, during the next few months, Israel is planning on building cement walls and electrical wires walls on all of its borders to prevent the infiltration of gunmen.