US- Israeli joint exercise to intercept ballistic missiles

The Israeli defense ministry said yesterday that the US and Israel will conduct joint exercises to intercept ballistic missiles in January, 2003.

The spokeswoman for the Israeli defense ministry Rashil Ashkinazi said that large air units representing the two sides will take part in these exercises, which are part of the military cooperation between the US and Israel.

Meantime, the Israeli daily Haartez said that the exercises will be held in Israel, unless Washington will carry out an attack against Iraq.

On Thursday Israeli displayed before journalists Arrow anti-missiles missile batteries.