JERUSALEM – The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting a massive military exercise in Israel this week. The exercises are considered the most significant bilateral show of force between the two nations to date.
“Juniper Oak is a combined, joint, all-domain exercise that enhances our land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace interoperability with our partners, our ability to respond to contingencies, and our commitment to the Center underlines East.” Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, said in a statement.
The statement continued, “These types of exercises – which CENTCOM routinely conducts with our partners – develop interoperability between armed forces, increase military capabilities and are important to the security and stability of the region.” Lessons learned during these exercises can be exported to our partners in the region.”
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The IDF and CENTCOM are in the midst of a joint military exercise in Israel this week. (Courtesy: IDF Spokesman’s Unit)
According to a new report by Ryan Brobst, a research analyst at the FDD Center for Military and Political Power, “The Biden administration wants Tehran to understand that the United States has both the military means and the political will to to stand with Israel and safeguard American interests in the region and conduct successful large-scale strikes if necessary.”
The FDD report said the exercise was significant, noting, “The scope, complexity and magnitude of this exercise should reassure Israelis, Americans and their regional partners while adversaries think twice before launching aggression.”
CENTCOM and the Israeli Defense Forces conduct “Exercise Juniper Oak” in Israel. (Courtesy of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
According to CENTCOM, the US has contributed about 6,400 personnel, with about 450-500 American service members being trained at up to 10 bases in Israel, with most operating on six American ships at sea, including the carrier strike group USS George HW Bush.
The Israelis have deployed more than 1,000 soldiers and officers, six ships and a significant number of aircraft including F-35Is, F-16s, F-15s, G550 reconnaissance aircraft, B707 refueling aircraft, UAVs and helicopters.
US Central Command and the IDF are participating in a joint military exercise called “Exercise Juniper Oak” taking place in Israel and the eastern Mediterranean. (Courtesy: IDF Spokesman’s Unit)
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Earlier Wednesday, one of the highlights of the exercise took place when 100 tons of bunker-piercing bombs fell in a short space of time in a designated area in southern Israel, reported by Channel 12 of Israel, to mimic an “Iranian nuclear facility”. The forces also practiced a quick exit to minimize potential ground threats to the Israeli pilots.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, visited the IAF Command and Control to witness the various joint exercises.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reviews ongoing exercises with the US (Courtesy of the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office)
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“The exercise demonstrates the undeniable strategic partnership between Israel and the United States and is another step in the build-up of Israeli military power,” Netanyahu said. “Israel will always defend itself alone, but of course welcomes the intensification of cooperation with our great ally.”
Israel joined CENTCOM in September 2021 after years of being part of the European Command that improved communications and coordination between Israel and other US allies in the region fighting Iran, mainly the Arab armies, following the Abraham Accords.
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a meeting with White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, underscored the crucial American commitment in the fight against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, during a joint military exercise between the two countries. (Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.) (CENTCOM)
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“Our talks focused on the regional security challenges, particularly Iran, as well as ways for us to work together against this common threat,” the prime minister noted.
“I was impressed that there is a genuine and mutual desire to reach agreement on this issue, which is vital to the security of the state,” Netanyahu said.
Yonat Friling is a Senior Field Producer at Fox News in the Middle East. You can follow her @FrilingYonat