More military units are training in the live-fire zones across the Golan Heights, including units which previously trained in southern Israel ,Ynet learned Wednesday.
The move stems from the need to master characteristics unique to northern Israeli terrain, an officer at GCO Northern Command told Ynet.
"We have prepared a 'playing ground' for the troops. It has challenging elements which they will face, should war with Syria breakout." The source added that there are no signs indicating that any kind of armed conflict with Syria is impending, but training in the Golan Heights is expanding nonetheless.
This exercise saw Battalion 603's engineering forces clear paths for Battalion 75's tanks. Not an easy task – 72 hours inside the tank in constant battle, difficult hurdles to pass and many landmines and anti-tank artillery.
Mission objectives in sight (Photo: IDF Spokesman's Unit)
"This is a very intense training exercise, which simulates combat and requires precision action which is operationally correct," Lt.-Colonel Amie Epstein, deputy commander of the 7th Armored Brigade told Ynet.
Epstein explained that the exercise focused on integrating the work done by Armored and Engineering forces, along with auxiliary forces.
"This kind of war would see the enemy try to stop IDF maneuvers by using landmines, anti-tank fire and other means. Our goal is to know how to overcome it with maximum speed and minimal casualties, while achieving mission objectives," he said.
The exercise also included drills in casualties' evacuation through the mountainous terrain, fueling and rearming.
Northern Command Chief Major-General Gadi Eisenkot and Colonel Eyal Zamir visited the training troops on Tuesday to observe the exercise.