Drill suspended. Benny Gantz
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
IDF chief halts drill due to dangerous artillery fire
Two shells land outside safety zone, endanger soldiers; Gantz orders investigation
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz suspended Wednesday morning a live fire exercise being held in the south after two artillery shells accidentally diverted from their planned target and landed in a restricted area. No injuries were reported.
The Brigade-level exercise, staged by reserve units, was launched a few days ago. During the drill two artillery shells landed outside the safety zone, just several dozen meters from a group of soldiers and officers, including OC Ground Forces Command Maj.-Gen. Sami Turgeman.
Gantz ordered Turgeman to appoint an official commission of inquiry to investigate the incident.
Following an initial investigation in the field, the chief of staff allowed the exercise to resume, but without artillery fire.
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
