News / Palestine

Israel’s army conducts major drill in fear of Palestinians attacks

Sunday, 01 March 2015 5:22 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 01 March 2015 6:32 PM ]

File photo shows Israel's military forces taking part in a night-time drill.

Israeli army has recently carried out a large-scale drill to test response time of its forces to a potential attack by Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday that the two-week drill was held by the Menahse territorial brigade, which covers the Palestinian cities of Jenin and Tulkarm.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Kfir Edri, deputy commander of the brigade, exercise lasted two full weeks, using both conscripts and reserve forces.

The drills focused on dealing with large-scale unrest and the consequences of a possible collapse of security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.The drill also centered around fighting a possible attack on the Zionist settlements.

The security cooperation was signed between PA and Israel about a decade ago, according to which, the Palestinians have been in charge of police duties in their territory, including arresting suspected criminals and anti-Israel militants.

Tensions have on the rise between Israel and Palestinians since the collapse of US-brokered peace talks last April with speculations rife about the possibility of a third intifada (uprising) on Palestinian lands.

Last month, Israel blocked transfer of tax funds to the Palestinian Authority in retaliation for a bid by Palestinians to join world bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to Edri, "The first part of the drill focused on battalions that carry out daily security missions. The second week involved reserve battalions, and looked at extreme scenarios."

One of the goals of the drill, he added, was to enhance the brigade's command and control capabilities, and coordinate various units that serve in it, including paratroopers, Border Police, Beduin trackers, and bomb squads.

HN/KA/SS

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