IDF trains for Hamas commando infiltration
The massive, five-day drill was held in southern communities to train for the possibility of Hamas commando infiltration attempts from land, air and sea during the next round of fighting.
IDF forces rehearsed scenarios in which large numbers of Hamas commandos managed to infiltrate Israeli communities by parachute, subterranean attack tunnels and the sea.
As part of the exercises, the forces also practiced operations while absorbing incessant rocket and mortar attacks from the Gaza Strip, which the IDF expects will happen during the course of the next war with Hamas. Border communities and cities such as Sderot and Ashkelon are expected to take the brunt of such attacks.
IDF special forces units as well as regular infantry and armored brigades took part in the drills, along with the Navy, Airforce and Home Front Command.
Commander of the Gaza Division, Brig. Gen. Yehuda Fuchs, said, “The Gaza Division exercise was an excellent opportunity to strengthen the preparedness of both active duty and reserve battalions.”
The IDF said the exercsie was planned ahead of time as part of 2017 training programs.
