IDF Soldiers Train for Ground Invasion into Gaza

IDF combat forces hold major ground incursion exercise. Jerusalem’s determined to hit Hamas hard & fast next time Israel’s forced to respond to rocket attacks.

By Israel Today Staff

 

 

The Israeli army on Wednesday wrapped up two days of massive ground exercises simulating the invasion of the Gaza Strip and the suppression of Hamas rocket fire.

Nachal & Armor training exercise – Photo courtesy IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

The exercises focused on directing overwhelming firepower against the sources of terrorist rocket fire, while at the same time advancing ground forces deep into Gaza.

Gaza-based terrorists fired a rocket at the southern Israel coastal city of Ashkelon on Tuesday night. Similar attacks of taken place with greater frequency over the past few weeks, and some Israeli officials believe Hamas is preparing for its next major showdown with the Jewish state.

In the last “Gaza war” in November 2012, Israel was compelled by massive international pressure to halt its counter-assault prematurely, and Hamas subsequently declared victory and grew stronger.

It would appear that next time, Israel is determined to hit hard and fast before the world can come to Hamas’ aid.

In related news, the Israel Air Force (IAF) is in the midst of its largest-ever joint exercise with foreign air forces.

Over 60 aircraft from Israel, the US, Italy and Greece are taking part in the exercise from the Ovda airbase in southern Israel. IAF officials said the exercise is not focused on any particular threat, though many saw the timing of the event as a warning to Iran.

 

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