The IDF has completed a surprise exercise on the Syrian border that was held today, the army says.
The exercise tested the Northern Command’s preparedness and included infantry troops, special forces and aircraft, the IDF says.
The military stresses that the exercise was planned far in advance and was not connected to any real-world events, including recent political tensions over Israel’s hold on the Golan Heights.
“With this exercise, the IDF perfected its operational readiness in all areas in order to ensure fitness and full preparedness,” the army says in a statement.
IDF soldiers hold a drill near the Syrian border on April 20, 2016. (IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently held a cabinet meeting for the first time ever on the strategic Golan plateau, captured by Israel in 1967 and effectively annexed 14 years later, declaring the land would remain Israeli forever and not go back to Syria.
The move drew international condemnation and a rejection of Jerusalem’s stance, including from allies such as the US and Germany.
— Judah Ari Gross
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