The Israeli military has conducted a series of exercises in a mountainous area of northern Israel, which reportedly has a similar topography to Iranian mountains.
Around 3,000 soldiers from the Golani Brigade participated in the drill, which is expected to boost the country’s combat capabilities amid increasing tension with Iran. The exercises demonstrated the capabilities of various Israeli armored units, artillery, and reservist brigades.
During the drill, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited the troops with Defense Minister Benny Gantz. They witnessed a range of military activities, including landing operations on simulated Iranian terrain.
According to Bennett, Israel is concerned that there is “insufficient severity” in dealing with Iran’s alleged violations. He also emphasized that his country is ready to protect itself against potential attacks by its neighboring country.
However, former head of Israeli military intelligence research, Brigadier General Yossi Kuperwasser, believes that his country is not yet ready to act against Iran because it does not have sufficient operational capabilities and the support of the US government.
Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Program
In October, The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli Air Force would train for a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear program beginning next year. Military officials have reportedly been told to brainstorm and lay out fresh attack plans as soon as possible.
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month, Bennett claimed that Iran’s nuclear program “has hit a watershed moment.” He also stated that Israel would never allow Iran to build nuclear weapons.
The Israeli military is aware that it must have specialized munitions and tactics to strike Iranian underground nuclear facilities effectively. Israel will also have to deal with increasingly sophisticated Iranian air defenses.
Additionally, striking Iran’s nuclear facilities could trigger retaliation against Israel by Iran and its allies.
“The world needs to act against Iran, and Israel is prepared to do what is needed on all of these fronts and the northern front in particular,” Gantz told Asharq Al-Awsat.