Israeli Navy carried out ‘extensive’ drills over past week in preparation for potential war in north

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Israeli Navy missile boats carry out a drill in northern Israel, in a handout image released by the IDF on February 23, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Israeli Navy missile boats carry out a drill in northern Israel, in a handout image released by the IDF on February 23, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

The Israeli Navy’s fleet of missile boats carried out “extensive” exercises over the past week, the IDF says, as the military prepares for potential war in the north.

The IDF says the Navy drills simulated fighting in the northern maritime theater, and some exercises were carried out alongside the Israeli Air Force, including the 193rd Squadron which operates the AS565 Panther helicopters, primarily used for missions at sea.

Among the scenarios that were drilled included foiling drone attacks, aerial rescue operations from vessels, and refueling the missile boats at sea, the IDF says.

The drill comes amid daily attacks by the Hezbollah terror group on northern Israel amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has warned it can no longer tolerate Hezbollah’s presence along its border following the October 7 atrocities and has warned that should a diplomatic solution not be reached, it will turn to military action to push Hezbollah northward.

 

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