Jerusalem: The Israeli military says its largest ever exercise with the United States has begun.
A major air defence drill called Austere Challenge 2012 started Sunday and includes more than 3,500 Americans and 1,000 Israelis.
The militaries are practicing their ability to work together against a range of threats facing Israel, the main US ally in the Mideast.
The military exercise was originally scheduled for April but was postponed at Israel`s request.
No reason was given but it came amid growing talk of Israel preparing to attack Iran if Tehran does not cease its uranium enrichment programme.
The weeks-long joint exercise will test multiple Israeli and American air defence systems against incoming missiles and rockets from places as far away as Iran.
IANS
