Friday, December 11, 2009

# # IDF Simulates Missile Attacks, War Against Syria and Hizbullah

Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz Correspondent


The Israel Defense Forces carried out two extensive drills this week, simulating war and national emergency situation.

Both drills were two-day affairs for which dozens of reserve officers were mobilized and included scenarios in which ballistic missiles with conventional and nonconventional warheads landed in Israeli cities. The first drill, by the Home Front Command, included the emergency rapid distribution of gas masks, in the event of an attack threat before the army completes the regular distribution, due to begin within a few months.

IDF officials emphasized that the exercise did not involve the deployment of forces in the field.

They said the main objective was to play out scenarios for the benefit of various think-tank units charged with anticipating operational dilemmas in the event of war or national emergency.

The second drill was held by the Paratroops Brigade in the north and simulated various combat scenarios against Syria and Hezbollah.

The exercise, which involved several reserve units, was the conclusion of an extended training program pursued by the brigade between assignments in the occupied territories and on the northern border.

One drill with live munitions took place on the Golan Heights and involved tank, artillery, sappers and Israel Air Force combat aircraft and helicopters.

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