With a possible Israeli military assault on Iran grabbing a growing number of news headlines in Israel and around the world, IAF fighter pilots were engaged in simulated attacks against a long-range target, practicing over the skies of Italy with European air forces.

Pilots last week used a NATO facility to exercise what most perceive to be in preparation for an aerial assault against Iran. The planes operated in a base in Sardinia, an Island in the area, used by NATO forces.

Italian air force pilots took part in the training event as well, as did German and Dutch air pilots.

In the US, administration officials continue pressuring Russia and China, seeking their approval for stepped-up Security Council sanctions against Iran in the hope of preventing an Israeli assault. To date, both countries have used their veto power to thwart stepped-up sanctions.

In Israel, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday morning, 5 Cheshvan, told Israel Radio’s Reshet Bet that “too much damage has already resulted” from the discussions and speculation surrounding a possible Israeli assault against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Lieberman stressed the ferocity of the Iranian threat, opting to remain silent on the issue of a possible IAF assault.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)