IDF planning massive month-long military drills over the summer

The Israel Defense Forces announces plans for a massive, month-long, military-wide exercise this summer, simulating a multi-front war. This will be the first time that the military holds a drill of this size.

“The structure of the exercise, which is being put together now, will include a scenario of a multi-front campaign in both the north and the south, in accordance with up-to-date and worst-case scenarios,” the IDF says.

The exact date and nature of the exercise is still being sorted out as it is not yet known exactly what will be permitted under coronavirus restrictions.

The military says the purpose of this General Staff-level exercise is to “increase the IDF’s preparedness and fitness for war.”

According to the IDF, both conscripted and reservist units from every regional command, branch and directorate will take part in the exercise “in the air, at sea and on land,” along with representatives from the cabinet, the Defense Ministry, the National Emergency Management Authority, Foreign Ministry and other security services.

“The exercise will simulate wide-scale, coordinated ground maneuvers behind enemy lines, based on the General Staff’s capabilities, as well as special forces operations,” the military says.

Maj. Gen. Moti Baruch will lead the exercise with the help of a task force that has been formed specifically for this drill, the IDF says.