Ironically perhaps, but while the prime minister is announcing significant progress in peace negotiations with the Syrians, the IDF on Thursday is wrapping up a major simulated war exercise involving a war with Syria.

According to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, many lessons were learned from the Second Lebanon War, lessons that were incorporated in this training exercise.

Military officials also point out that the date of the training event was decided upon months ago and is in no way connected to current political realities.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)