Israel and the United States Conduct Massive Joint Drill
By Aaron Gold
Strong allies. January 23 – The United States and Israel conducted Juniper Oak 23.2, a massive joint drill in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This was the first joint drill between the countries after the inaugeration of Israel’s new Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi.
Background. The United States moved Israel from its European to Central Command or CENTCOM on September 1, 2021, in order to fulfill the American objective of a holistic approach to regional security and cooperation with its partners. Ever since, Israel has been integrated into America’s regional priorities: deterring Iran, countering violent extremist organizations, competing strategically with China and Russia, building regional air, missile and UAV defense capabilities and improving maritime security.
“This exercise strengthens collective U.S.-Israeli readiness and improves the interoperability of both forces, thereby contributing to regional stability. Exercises like Juniper Oak show that interoperability and integration represent the improved security in the region” according to CENTCOM.
CENTCOM Commander. “Consistent with CENTCOM’s strategic approach of People, Partners, and Innovation, we are committed to strengthening military-to-military relations throughout the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “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”
Why it matters: Despite any (real or imagined) friction between the two countries, The United States is still Israel’s most important ally and because of America’s unwavering committment to Israel’s security. The relations between the two countries are quite strong, especially the security ties. The departing Israeli chief, LTG Aviv Kohavi, recently praised General Mark Milley, the American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saying that his affinity and support of Israel is “powerful and inspiring.”
Details about the assets. The assets included strategic bombers, fighter aircraft, rescue aircraft, refueling aircraft, naval forces, ground long-range precision fires, air long-range precision fires, rotary wing aircraft, Space Force assets, Special Operations Forces, Infantry forces
Missions. The missions include: U.S. and Israel command and control, air operations in maritime surface warfare, combat search and rescue, electronic attack, suppression of enemy air defenses, strike coordination and reconnaissance and air interdiction
The exercise included a large-scale live fire event with over 140 aircraft including B52s, F35s, F15s, F16s, FA-18s, AC-130, AH64s, 12 naval vessels, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, and Multiple Launch Rocket Systems
Source: CENTCOM Press Release, Jan 23, 2023. Release number 20230123-01
By Aaron Gold. Aaron Gold is a writer and the founder of The Hasmonean.
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