The IDF launched a surprise military exercise on Tuesday, calling up a full division and some 2,000 reserve soldiers to a drill in the northern part of the country.
The decision to launch the drill was reportedly based on the threats to Israel’s security along its northern border from both Syria and Lebanon.
Israel has expressed worry over the Syrian civil war spilling into Israel and the possibility of Damascus’s large supply of chemical weapons being turned against the Jewish state.
Israel is also concerned over the possibility that the Lebanese-based terror group Hezbollah would come into possession of Syria’s chemical weapons.
On Thursday, Israeli planes shot down a drone off the coast of Haifa, thought to be sent by Hezbollah, possibly at Iran’s behest.
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition
by email and never miss our top stories
By signing up, you agree to the
terms
The exercise will continue until the end of the week, with some 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers taking part.
The army previously called a surprise drill in the north in September 2012.
Bridging the US-Israel divide
While the heart of The Times of Israel’s work takes place in Israel, so many of Jerusalem’s actions are influenced by those in Washington’s halls of power.
As ToI’s US bureau chief, I work to gain access to decision-makers in the United States government so our readers can understand the US-Israel relationship beyond the platitudes evident in public statements.
I'm proud of our ability to inform without sensationalizing, our dedication to be fast while ensuring accuracy, and our determination to present Israel's entire, complex story.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers around the world properly informed about the critical Israel-US relationship. Do you appreciate our news coverage? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
- Jacob Magid, The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
Yes, I'll join
Yes, I'll join
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this