Israel Air Force Flies Fighter Jets to Iranian Border

The Israeli Air Force conducted a practice sortie on Monday involving dozens of fighter jets and refueling aircraft that flew as far as the Iranian border. The operation utilized a flight path traversing Syrian and Iraqi airspace, which officials noted is consistent with routes used in previous strikes on Iran.

Israel characterized the exercise as a power projection intended to deter Iran from launching attacks before the Knesset elections scheduled for October 27. The Cabinet of Israel notified the United States of the operation in advance.

While some sources described the sortie as a routine deterrent, U.S. officials stated that Israel was aware Iranian air defense systems would detect the aircraft during the mission.