Dozens of Israeli fighter jets and refuelling aircraft flew more than 800 miles towards Iran’s border on Monday before returning to Israel, officials told Axios.
The aircraft traversed Syrian and Iraqi airspace, following a route that suggested a possible strike on Iran. Israel informed the United States prior to the operation.
Israeli officials described it as a training exercise intended to deter Tehran from attacking before the October 27 election. US officials said Israel expected Iranian air defences to detect the aircraft.
Read: UK Police Rearrest Two in RAF Fairford Iran Intelligence Probe
Some US sources told Axios they had the impression Israel hoped Iran would fire on the jets. Those sources believed such a response could have justified Israeli strikes.
Other Israeli and US officials offered a different assessment. They described the sortie as not unusual and said its purpose was deterrence.
Read: Iran Targets Strait of Hormuz Commercial Ships, Rubio Says
The aircraft turned around as they approached Iran’s border and returned to Israel without entering Iranian territory. Dozens of Israeli fighter jets and refuelling aircraft flew more than 800 miles towards Iran’s border on Monday before turning back.
