Israel Calls Off Maneuvers Near Lebanon, Syria after U.S. Pressure
Israel's military has been forced to significantly reduce its exercises along the borers with Lebanon and Syria amid pressure by the United States, the World Tribune reported.
It quoted Israeli officials as saying that the administration of President Barack Obama has warned Israel that its exercises were escalating regional tension.They said Israel's government has responded by canceling or reducing exercises meant to prepare for a war with Syria.
"We are receiving daily phone calls from the Americans, who want to know details and schedules of exercises, what weapons will be used and in what scenarios," an Israeli official told the U.S. newspaper which focuses on international news.
Earlier in March, Israel reduced the scope of a major command exercise, Firestones-12, at the request of the United States. The training maneuver excised a scenario in which Israel and Syria fought a regional war, and instead focused on a limited conflict with Hizbullah.
Officials said the administration also pressed Israel to cancel plans for massive troop mobilization to enhance readiness for a regional war. They said the White House warned that this could trigger conflict with Hizbullah and Syria.
"The exercises were planned on the assessment that Syria is likely to join Hizbullah in the next war," the official told the World Tribune. "We are very much aware of Syrian preparations and coordination with Iran and Hizbullah."
