Russia warns Israel against Tehran attack

The Post said, "The mock (Israeli) operation reflected a growing policy schism over Iran among major international players at a time when U.S. politics may freeze major decisions until a new administration is in place, its officials are confirmed and a policy review is complete."

More than 100 Israeli warplanes - including F-15s and F-16s, refueling tankers and helicopters for pilot rescue - were involved in the military exercise.

Israel refused to comment on the exercise. "The Israeli Air Force regularly trains for various missions in order to confront and meet the challenges posed by the threats facing Israel," the Israel Defence Forces said.

Citing Western officials, The Post said Israel has carried out maneuvers as part of a programme started in the 1990s by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. He began acquiring long-range bombers and missiles after warning that Iran's nuclear program threatened Israel's existence."But the latest exercise comes at a tense time, with the standoff in diplomacy fueling divergent strategies", the dispatch said.