Israel has improved its readiness to attack Iran, outgoing Defense Minister Benny Gantz said on Wednesday, citing the military's training to strike nuclear facilities..

Speaking at an Air Force graduation ceremony, Gantz said pilots could one day be called upon to take part in such an offensive..

“You can cross the sky to the east in two or three years and take part in the attack on nuclear facilities in Iran that we are preparing for, while significantly increasing the readiness in recent years,” Gantz said..

Israel is increasingly concerned that Russia's growing reliance on Iran's military capabilities in Ukraine could prompt Tehran to turn to Russia for help with its nuclear program in return.. Israel rejects Iran's claims that the nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and said it would take any steps necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring the bomb.

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The new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to be approved by parliament on Thursday after winning elections last month.. Gantz, the former chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, is likely to remain in parliament as a member of the opposition.

Israel destroyed an unfinished nuclear reactor in Syria in 2007.