Israel has a sent diplomatic messages to Iran and Hezbollah to assure them that a massive home front defense drill in Israel being held this week is not a pretext to attack missile installations in southern Lebanon, Ynet reports.
The drill kicked off Sunday and simulates a massive rocket attack on Israel from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, but Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah have apparently telegraphed concern that the buildup for the exercise is actually preparation for a surprise attack on the terror group’s massive rocket arsenal in southern Lebanon, according to the report.
Israeli officials recently estimated that Hezbollah is hiding some 100,00 missiles among civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, threatening to do whatever necessary to expunge the threat.
Iran also reportedly fears Israel could launch a long-awaited military strike against the country’s nuclear installations in a bid to torpedo an emerging deal with world powers over the program.
The drill is part of a yearly exercise, and Israel sent a message via Lebanon to both Iran and Hezbollah explaining that it is for defensive preparedness only and not for an offensive operation, according to Ynet.
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