Israeli, Arab pilots take part in Greece air exercise

By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - An international military air exercise was conducted on Monday in Greece with the participation of both Israeli and Arab pilots, according to reports on Israeli public radio.

Hosted by the Greek air force, the exercise -- dubbed "Antiochus 2017" -- reportedly included pilots and aircraft from Israel and the United Arab Emirates, along with a handful of other nations, including the U.S. and Italy.

According to Israeli public radio, it is the second time for Israeli and Emirati pilots to participate in the same military exercise.

A similar exercise held last year in the U.S. also included pilots and aircraft from both countries, according to the broadcaster.

It was not possible to verify the participation of Emirati pilots and aircraft in the exercise from official Emirati sources.

With the exception of Egypt, Jordan and Mauritania, no Arab states formally recognize Israel.