IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz on Wednesday morning ordered a surprise military exercise involving troops from the Northern and Central Commands. Responding reservists were airlifted to the Golan Heights area, where a live-fire training event was held during the evening hours, all towards evaluating the preparedness of the forces and the military in the shadow of mounting verbal threats from Hizbullah leaders and the worrisome situation in Syria. The surprise exercise also permitted evaluating the preparedness of the air force and other units.

The call-up began during the predawn hours as artillery and other reservists were summoned to respond. Overseeing the exercise was Chief Artillery Officer, Brig.-Gen. Ro’i Riftin.

Officials’ stress the drill was planned in advance and in no way signaled a heightened alert status by the military.

Following the exercise, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

The operation was labeled a “success” and the commanders got a genuine reading regarding an emergency call-up scenario of combat reserve duty forces and officers.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)