In face of growing threats in the Middle East, the IDF and United States
Military concluded a four-day-long simulation exercise called Juniper Falcon on
Friday which tested the level of coordination between the two countries in the
event of future conflicts.
The exercise is part of a long standing
agreement between the US and Israel to hold bilateral training exercises on a
regular basis and the IDF Spokesman’s Office stressed that it was not associated
with a particular threat or world event.
“This is an important part of
our ability to operate in different scenarios at sea, on the ground and in the
air,” IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi said during a
visit to the base where the exercise was held. “It emphasizes the deep, intimate
relations between us and the United States when facing mutual enemies, such as
when fighting terror. I get the impression that officers from both sides feel
these improvements and that we have interoperable capabilities,” he
added.
The Israeli team was headed by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Nizan Nuriel, who
also serves as head of the National Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Bureau.
The American side was led by Maj.-Gen. Craig Gourley, who serves as an assistant
to the commander of the US Air Force in Europe.
“The real purpose of this
exercise is to make sure that in real time, if necessary, we will be well
trained and fully prepared,” Nuriel said. “We know it’s about friendship,
brotherhood and these kinds of exercises can create this level of relationship
that in real time may be needed.”