Replies

They were alongside specially configured Israeli helicopters with long-range fuel tanks which practised rescuing downed combat aircrew.

Not sure if "alongside" is quite the right word for a helo/fast-mover mix. Perhaps "orbiting overhead?

If the Israelis are going to do CSAR for a strike like this, they need to have some kind of operating base for the helos that's a LOT closer to the target than Israel. The helos can't keep up with the strike packages, so its either send them out earlier (which is risky given the danger of revealing that a strike is inbound), base them closer (but Israel doesn't have closer bases) or accept that if a pilot is shot down the helos (and the helos aircover) won't show up for a good long while, and won't have much time on station.

Makes me wonder if there's a USN CVN or LHA/LHD in the Eastern Med right now ... along with the one(s) presumably stationed in the Persian Gulf.