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Dozens of Israeli fighter jets flew close to Iran’s border earlier this week in a maneuver that may have been intended to provoke an Iranian military response, Israeli media reported Wednesday, citing US sources.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the operation took place overnight Monday into Tuesday and involved dozens of fighter jets accompanied by Israeli Air Force refueling aircraft.
According to the broadcaster, the aircraft flew over Syrian and Iraqi territory before turning back toward Israel after approaching the Iranian border at a very short distance.
US sources told Channel 12 that Israel may have hoped Iranian forces would open fire on the aircraft, potentially providing a justification for launching an attack on Iran.
US and Israeli officials described the operation as a deterrence exercise, but the maneuver carried the risk of an Iranian miscalculation that could trigger a military response and reignite the war, according to Channel 12.
The US sources said Israel had notified Washington of the operation in advance, describing it as a military exercise intended to demonstrate its capabilities and deter Iran.
READ: Israel says it inks $35 million deal ‘to extend F-35 fighter jet range’ amid Iran war
They added that Israel knew Iranian air defense systems would detect the aircraft.
The operation coincided with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Israel, during which he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz at Ovda Air Base.
Separately, the Financial Times reported Wednesday that Netanyahu had instructed the Israeli military earlier this month to prepare a major new offensive against Iran.
Citing three people familiar with the plans, the newspaper said the military had prepared a multiday campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, government-linked sites and civilian infrastructure, including power plants.
The strikes, initially planned for 10th October, were called off after US President Donald Trump opposed resuming the war ahead of the 3rd November US midterm elections, according to the report.
The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on 28th February. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington later imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
READ: Iran claims ballistic missile strike destroyed 3 US F-35 jets at Jordan air base
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