[Israel was exposed to be simulating an attack on Iran. U.S. officials: It may be to lure Iran to open fire] October 22nd, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 TV station on the 21st, dozens of Israeli fighter jets and aerial tankers flew through the airspace of Syria and Iraq earlier this week, approached the Iranian border and then turned back. Two senior U.S. officials were quoted as saying that the operation took place from the evening of the 19th to the early morning of the 20th, and the Israeli fighter jets flew in formations and routes similar to those used to attack Iran. According to the report, Israel informed the United States of the operation in advance and described it as an exercise aimed at deterring Iran and demonstrating its military capabilities. U.S. officials believe that Israel may be trying to induce Iran's air defense system to fire on Israeli fighter jets, thereby gaining an excuse to launch a military strike against Iraq. Israeli officials have yet to comment. (Xinhua News Agency)