Wing of Zion lands back in Israel after departure sparked speculation of Iran escalation

Flight tracking sites show that Israel’s Wing of Zion official state plane has landed back in Israel after its departure just before noon this afternoon sparked speculation of an imminent escalation with Iran.

The plane departed Israel ahead of past rounds of fighting with Iran to avoid it being targeted by Iranian missiles.

Unnamed officials cited by several outlets deny the move had to do with Iran, saying the plane was engaged in a regularly scheduled training mission.

After taking off at 11:27 a.m. from Beersheba, it landed in the Greek island of Crete at 1:14 p.m. before taking off again less than an hour later and landing back in Beersheba at 3:14 p.m.