From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 18, 2023
US Marines to hold joint drill with IDF starting Sunday
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The United States Marines says it will be holding a joint drill with the Israel Defense Forces, in Israel starting Sunday.
The drill, dubbed Intrepid Maven, will last through March 1.
According to the US Marine Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT), some 200 marines and sailors will join IDF infantry and artillery units.
The drill is the sixth in a series of US Marine drills — all using the Intrepid Maven name — held with allied nations in the Middle East.
“This is a great opportunity for our Marines and Sailors to work alongside our Israeli Defense Force counterparts,” says Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., commander of MARCENT.
“The very purpose of our Intrepid Maven exercise series is to enhance collaboration and cooperation with partners. Our actions support the National Defense Strategy priority of developing key partnerships, and reflect both our enduring commitment to Israel as a new MARCENT partner and our mutual desire for regional stability,” he says.
“At the troop level, it’s just a great opportunity for enhanced training, cultural exposure and, ultimately, improved unit readiness,” Rock adds.
There is no immediate statement from the IDF on the drill.
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