IDF, police readiness drills continue for second day as forces train in Eilat for Oct.7-like attack
The aim of the exercise is to improve the division’s capabilities and readiness in the face of a large-scale October 7-style surprise attack, based on the lessons drawn from the massacre.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) commenced Operation "Kadmat Homa" (Advancing the Wall) in the area surrounding Eilat, marking the start of readiness drills exactly a month before the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre. The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance the division's ability to respond to a large-scale surprise attack, drawing lessons from the tragic events of October 7.
All forces within the 80th Division will take part in the operation, alongside Israel's air, naval, and other security forces. Consequently, the military has observed a significant uptick in the movement of security personnel, aircraft, naval vessels, and vehicles in Eilat and along Israel's eastern border, yet they have emphasized that no security incidents are currently taking place.
The Israel Police is also involved in the security exercise, under the banner of Operation Southern Wind. Led by the Southern District Commander Haim Bublil and District Commander Alon Kalfon, police forces from Eilat and the surrounding areas will collaborate with security and emergency services. The exercise involves simulating a variety of complex and extreme scenarios reminiscent of the October 7 massacre, such as responding to a surprise attack, handling multiple simultaneous incidents, controlling traffic routes, preserving public order, and providing a rapid, coordinated response.
The IDF's "Advancing the Wall" and "Southern Wind" initiatives follow the announcement of Operation Dawn 2.0, a surprise exercise orchestrated to evaluate the military's readiness and capacity to handle large-scale attacks, as part of Israel's ongoing efforts to bolster defense ahead of the holiday season. Conducted under the leadership of IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen.
Eyal Zamir, Dawn 2.0 entails practicing surprise scenarios and multi-scene events in all potential "theaters of war," mobilizing forces and assessing the IDF's reserve capabilities.
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