IDF begins surprise exercise testing troops' readiness in West Bank ahead of High Holy Days

The exercise, during which all battalions in the division were mobilized, is expected to continue until the afternoon. 

The IDF began a surprise exercise for troops from the Judea and Samaria Division to test their operational readiness ahead of the High Holy Days, the military announced early Friday morning. 

The exercise, during which all battalions in the division were mobilized, is expected to continue until the afternoon.

An increase of movement from security personnel will be noticible in the area, and the IDF affirmed that it is all part of a planned exercise and there is no cause for concern regarding a security incident.

The drill follows similar training exercises that took place earlier this week across the country.

On Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir launched Operation Dawn 2.0.

Dawn 2.0 was a similar, surprise exercise meant to test the heat-of-the-moment readiness and abilities of the military to deal with large-scale attacks amid the country’s preparations to strengthen defense ahead of the High Holy Days.

As part of the exercise, surprise scenarios and multi-scene events will be practiced in all possible “theaters of war,” the IDF said. Commanders from all IDF units were called up, forces were mobilized, and the military’s reserve capabilities were being assessed, it said.

IDF, police train in Eilat area

On Monday, the IDF’s 80th Division began Operation Kadmat Homa (Advancing the Wall) near Eilat and the surrounding areas.

The aim of the exercise is to improve the division’s capabilities and readiness in the face of a large-scale October 7-style surprise attack, based on the lessons drawn from the massacre, the IDF said.

All of the division’s forces were slated to participate in the exercise, including air, naval, and additional security forces. The IDF cited a noticeable increase in the movement of security personnel, aircraft, naval vessels, and vehicles in the Eilat area and along Israel’s eastern border.

Israel Police said it was participating in the security exercise under the name Operation Southern Wind, led by the Israel Police’s Southern District under the command of Southern District Police Cmdr. Haim Bublil and District Cmdr. Alon Kalfon.