The Facts
The Israeli and US militaries have reportedly begun joint exercises over the Mediterranean and in Israel, including live-fire drills and the midair refueling of nuclear-capable fighter jets, as tensions with Iran mount.
The joint drill, launched on Sunday and dubbed Juniper Oak, reportedly included the Israeli Air Force carrying out airstrikes against “strategic targets in the depth,” in what is likely a reference to Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The Spin
Narrative A
These drills will send a clear message to the Mullahs of the Islamic Republic: the US and Israel will not idly sit by as Iran tries to build a bomb. Iran, which continues to wreak havoc in the region, must be contained and, if necessary, its nuclear capabilities neutralized.
Narrative B
While the US touts its "ironclad" support for Israel and its opposition to Iran, Israel is committing serious war crimes under this current extremist settler government. Israel, which is increasingly described as an apartheid state, gets billions in US aid each year. Yet the US has continually failed to reign in Israel's most extreme and violent policies.
