JERUSALEM – American and Israeli air forces on Sunday began week-long joint exercises in southern Israel, simulating dog-fights and bombing targets on the ground, the army said. *** Dozens of aircraft are taking part in the exercises in the southern Negev desert, it said. *** Army radio said the exercises were taking place in the context of recent discussions between Israel and its main ally on the controversial nuclear programme of the Jewish states arch-foe Iran. *** an Israeli military source told AFP that the exercises were planned two years ago and are not linked to the situation in any country.
You will find this little tidbit HERE.