Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Israeli Maneuvers Simulate War against Hezbollah | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55382584
Caption:

An Israeli army tank maneuvers during a military exercise simulating conflict with Hezbollah, in the Israeli annexed Golan Heights, near the Syrian border on September 5, 2017, in what would be the largest drill in nearly two decades. (AFP Photo)


Ramallah- Israel’s army began on Tuesday the biggest military maneuvers since 19 years, simulating a war against “Hezbollah”. The 11-day maneuvers aim at enhancing readiness to a wide-scope battle in the north.

Afekhay Aderey, the spokesman of the Israeli Army, said that the forces will simulate expected and variable war cases in the north. “This is an exceptional exercise given its size and it is being executed by various levels from soldiers in the field to superior leadership. The exercise is significant to activate the force on the tactical level,” he added.

The maneuvers deal with war scenarios with Hezbollah, who in its turn is watching closely. The exercise simulate a quick security escalation in the northern region.

The air force, navy force and intelligence take part in the training that includes a simulation of a battle with Hezbollah whether as an attack or as a defense along with any development that obliges the army to evacuate Israeli towns near the border.

The army will use drones in attacks and equipment transport in addition to self-driving trucks and robots.

A high-rank captain stated that the army will mobilize all potentials in these maneuvers and will simulate a battle with Hezbollah, an attack by Hezbollah and then the army’ response on three stages. The Israeli maneuvers will also simulate the scenario when the Israeli cabinet decides to wage a war to defeat Hezbollah.

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot explained that defeating Hezbollah means targeting the enemy with a mortal blow and reaching a phase where Hezbollah loses the ability to attack or even the wish to.

Officers see that this training attributes to the huge change on the border, including interference of Russia and US in the Middle East developments.