Official denies military drills for Iran

JERUSALEM, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Speculation a recent air force exercise and rocket propulsion system test are linked to a debate on a strike against Iran is "nonsense," an official said.

Israel Radio quoted an anonymous Israeli defense official as saying Thursday it is "absolute nonsense" to presume a recent air force exercise with the Italian air force and the testing of a rocket propulsion system are linked to reports Israel is preparing for a possible airstrike on Iran's nuclear sites.

The official's remarks come amid intensive public debate over reports Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are pushing for a strike.

The army's Home Front command conducted a drill Thursday simulating missile attacks in the center of the country. Sirens also were tested.