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Iran conducts large-scale exercise, simulates capture of Jerusalem
Iranian forces conducted a drill over the weekend, including drones, planes and helicopters, which simulated the capture of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Although the manoeuvres appeared largely symbolic, they reportedly involved 120 brigades of the Basiji paramilitary force. They were supported by Revolutionary Guards aircraft, which bombed the hypothetical enemy before ground troops stormed a hill and erected a large-scale model of the Dome of the Rock, one of the two mosques which sits atop the Temple Mount. One of the troops then raised the Iranian flag and a red flag symbolising martyrdom on top the makeshift mosque. AP reports that Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards air division, said that Shahed-129 drones plus planes and helicopters were deployed during the drill which took place near the Shi’ite holy city of Qom.
Bloomberg quotes the Head of the Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Ali Jafari, who said that the aim of the Basiji exercise was to “confront threats and proxy wars” especially in light of the “enemy’s incitement in the region.” Palestinian leaders have accused Israel of attempting to alter the status quo at the Temple Mount, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims. However, Israeli leaders have said that such accusations are incendiary and have repeatedly publicly insisted that there are no plans whatsoever to change the current arrangement which permits only Muslim prayer at the site. The controversy has been a focal point for violence since the start of October which has killed 20 Israelis.
Meanwhile, Iran has long threatened to destroy Israel. The commander of Iran’s army, Ataollah Salehi, said in September that, “We are glad that we are in the forefront of executing supreme leader’s order to destroy the Zionist regime.” His comments came just days after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said via Twitter, “God willing, there will be nothing as Zionist regime by next 25 years.” Iran provides material and financial support to Hezbollah and Hamas, which are both dedicated to attacking Israel.