The key facts
- Dozens of Israeli fighters approached Iran's border, flying over Syria and Iraq — Channel 12 citing sources in the US
- According to Channel 12, Israel may have hoped to provoke Iran into opening fire; officially the operation was called a deterrence exercise
- Financial Times: Netanyahu ordered preparations for a multi-day campaign against Iran, canceled after Trump's objections ahead of the November 3 midterm elections
Flight near the Iranian border
Dozens of Israeli fighter jets overnight from Monday to Tuesday flew in close proximity to Iran's border, Israeli Channel 12 reports citing American sources. According to the channel, the aircraft were accompanied by Israeli Air Force refueling planes, flew over the territory of Syria and Iraq, and turned back after approaching the Iranian border at a very short distance.
Purpose of the maneuver and risks
According to the version of American sources cited by Channel 12, Israel may have counted on Iranian forces opening fire on the aircraft, which would have provided a pretext for an attack on Iran. Officially, in both the US and Israel, the operation was characterized as a deterrence exercise; however, according to the channel, the maneuver carried the risk of an Iranian mistake capable of provoking a military response and reigniting the war. Sources said Israel had notified Washington in advance, presenting the operation as an exercise to demonstrate capabilities and deter Iran, and knew that Iranian air defense systems would detect the aircraft.
Coincidence with Hegseth's visit
The operation coincided with the visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Israel, during which he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz at the Ovda airbase.
Financial Times report on offensive preparations
The Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing three informed sources, that Netanyahu earlier this month instructed the military to prepare a major new offensive against Iran. According to the newspaper, the military prepared a multi-day campaign with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, government-linked facilities, and civilian infrastructure, including power plants. The strikes, initially scheduled for October 10, were canceled after US President Donald Trump spoke out against resuming the war ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, the outlet reports.
Context of the conflict
The US and Israel began the war against Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran launched missile and drone strikes across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, and Washington later imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
