CENTCOM says the drill will be broad in scope, complexity, and significant in size.
A combined, joint-all domain military exercise known as Juniper Oak is underway this week with Israel and the United States—U.S. Central Command and Israeli Defense Forces.
“Juniper Oak is a Combined Joint All-Domain exercise which improves our interoperability on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace with our partners, enhances our ability to respond to contingencies, and underscores our commitment to the Middle East.” Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM said in a statement.
“These kinds of exercises – which CENTCOM routinely conducts with our partners – develop interoperability between military forces, increase military capabilities, and are important to the security and stability of the region. The lessons learned during these exercises are exportable to our partners across the region,” the statement said.
The U.S. has about 6,400 personnel involved with around 450-500 American service members training at up to ten Israeli bases. Most of the personnel are on six American ships at sea, including the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group, CENTCOM says. A number of aircraft are also involved including F-35is, F16s, F-15s, reconnaissance aircraft and B107 refueling aircraft, UAVs and helicopters.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli officials visited the Command and Control center. The prime minister said, “The exercise demonstrates the indisputable strategic partnership between Israel and the United States, and is another step in building Israeli military power. Israel will always defend itself on its own, but of course welcomes the intensifying cooperation with our great ally.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For God to be at work in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Israel.
- For wisdom for U.S. officials as they work with Israel to keep peace in the region.
Sources: Fox News, Reuters, CENTCOM
