IDF completes military drill simulating escalation in the north

Tens of thousands of IDF soldiers and reservists simulated conflict near Israel’s northern border, fine-tuning coordination between naval, air and ground forces. 

A military simulation of escalation on Israel’s northern border came to a close on Thursday in what was described as the IDF’s largest exercise in 19 years.

The exercise, named “Or HaDagan,” lasted 11 days and included the participation of tens of thousands of IDF reservists who practiced coordinated military responses between naval, air and ground forces.

“Over the past two weeks the Northern Command with its various units, trained both to defend and attack on the northern front,” said head of the Northern Command, Major General Yoel Strick, according to Israel’s Channel 10.

“We improved our preparedness for future challenges by using the concept of joint cooperation as well as by enhancing our capabilities in intelligence, firing and maneuvering.”

More specifically, the Israeli Air Force trained in both defensive and offensive military strikes. Naval forces practiced not only striking targets on the shore but also providing assistance to ground forces and protecting strategic assets belonging to Israel.

Additionally, the Home Front Command practiced implementing a plan to evacuate residents from the zone of military confrontation.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, who made a visit to see the exercise in action earlier this week,  praised the Northern Command’s “readiness, determination and professionalism” and expressed confidence in the IDF’s ability to neutralize any security threat from the north.

Liberman also warned Syria not to attack or threaten Israel.

“I advise against entering into a confrontation with Israel. It will end badly for them, very badly.”

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News