Netanyahu observes US-Israel joint military rehearsal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant visited on January 25 the Israeli Air Force command centre to observe the ongoing joint Israeli-US Juniper Oak 2023 drill.

“The exercise brings to light the indisputable strategic partnership between Israel and the United States, and is another step in building Israeli military power,” Netanyahu said in remarks provided by his office, per The Times of Israel.

“Israel will always defend itself on its own, but of course welcomes the intensifying cooperation with our great ally,” Netanyahu added.

The large-scale drill is widely seen as a message to Iran.

The pair, along with military chief Herzi Halevi and National Security Adviser Tzahi Hanegbi, observed an air drill from the command centre and were briefed on other aspects of the US-led exercise.