The IDF on Sunday launched a massive three-day drill which is simulating war with Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
An IDF Spokesperson stated that the surprise maneuver began on Sunday morning with the operation of a multi-armed force, including infantry, armor, artillery and the air force.
“The exercise will examine operational readiness for various combat scenarios, especially for the Gaza Strip,” the IDF stated.
The exercise includes the mass movement of units and live fire.
The IDF emphasized that the exercise was planned as part of the training program and is intended to maintain the forces’ readiness.
The drill was launched just weeks after IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kohavi assumed command of the army.
The IDF last fought in Gaza in the summer of 2014 when it launched its 50-day-long Operation Protective Edge.
In 2012, the IDF launched Operation Pillar of Defense in response to over a hundred rocket attacks on southern Israeli cities.
Israel launched Operation Cast Led at the end of 2008, its first comprehensive counter-terrorism operation in Gaza after Hamas violently took control of the Strip in 2007.