[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When we examine IDF exercises in the past 6 months, we can see how they prepare the IDF for the challenges the IDF Intelligence identifies.
At the outset of 2019, the IDF published its annual Assessment Report, in which the IDF Intelligence Unit recognized the dangers Israel faces in the north. The report stresses the threat of accurate missiles in the hands of Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as Iran’s intentions to bring additional missiles into the region. This continues to be one of the main concerns of the IDF.
In light of the threats the north imposed on Israel’s security, the IDF conducted several large-scale exercises, the latest of which was last week.
A more telling exercise that exemplifies Israel’s challenge was conducted a few weeks ago, by the IDF Navy on the northern shores of Israel. The exercise practiced a scenario in which a secret Navy operation is exposed by Hezbollah and escalates rapidly into a clash with Hezbollah.
The IDF Assessment Report states that Hezbollah’s ability to invade the Galilee was heavily damaged by Operation Northern Shield. But the threat is yet to be completely removed as there are more underground tunnels that do not cross the blue line at this time.
In this regard, the IDF carried out two other large exercises in the past few months. One was carried out in February by a Tank Brigade, simulating a combat situation against Hezbollah. The other was a large Commando Brigade drill (in preparation for war on two fronts) conducted only 3 months ago, towards the end of the term of the former Chief of Staff, Gadi Eisenkot.
Another interesting point in the report is Iran’s military deployment in Iraq instead of and in addition to the bases in Syria due to the continuing IDF aerial attacks on Iran’s military assets in Syria. This can be addressed by both diplomatic and military means.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”3556,3554,3553,3552,3551,3550″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]All photos from IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
