UPDATE - Israeli army, navy stage separate drills in Eilat, Mediterranean amid Iran-US tensions

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By Khaled Yousef

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli army carried out two separate drills Thursday, one on land in the Red Sea area around Eilat and another at sea in the Mediterranean, against the backdrop of heightened Iran-US tensions and an expanded US military presence in the Middle East, according to media reports.

The US and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.

In southern Israel, the army conducted an exercise in the Eilat area and the Arava Valley, simulating scenarios the military establishment described as among the “worst-case” possibilities, Maariv newspaper reported.

It quoted an unnamed military source who said the army is training for “extremely dangerous scenarios” it may face.

The report said the simulated scenarios include missile attacks targeting Eilat and its surroundings, strikes on tourist areas and infiltration attempts across the Jordanian border or from the Red Sea.

The drill also included preparations for the possibility of armed groups launching maritime attacks from Yemen toward the Gulf of Eilat or arriving by land to carry out attacks in the area.

The army did not specify the duration of the drill or provide additional details, while Maariv cited information on its objectives and scenarios based on an unnamed military source.

In the Mediterranean, Israel’s navy conducted a large-scale defensive drill that lasted several days and ended Tuesday, according to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.

The broadcaster said the exercise simulated “multi-domain threats" 00 below the surface, on the sea and in the air -- and was aimed at preparing to defend strategic assets in Israel’s economic waters, including offshore gas platforms and ports.

It said the drill involved submarines, missile ships, naval special forces and air force aircraft operating together.

The army has not issued a statement on the exercise.