Israel scraps military maneuvers after US pressure reports

US media reports suggested Wednesday that Washington has warned Israel against executing military maneuvers in its northern region, for fear they would stoke conflict with Lebanon and Syria.

The American World Tribune, quoting well-placed Israeli military officials, reported that the administration of President Barack Obama had asked for a toning down of practice skirmishes in order to maintain the delicate calm currently prevailing along the Blue Line.

Israel responded by scrapping exercises aimed at preparing for future conflicts with Lebanon and Syria, the paper wrote.

“We are receiving daily phone calls from the Americans, who want to know details and schedules of exercises, what weapons will be used and in what scenarios,” the paper quoted an official as saying. “The exercises were planned on the assessment that Syria is likely to join Hizbullah in the next war. We are very much aware of Syrian preparations and coordination with Iran and Hizbullah.”