The Israeli Army reported this Thursday that in recent days it has conducted extensive military maneuvers on the border with Syria, with the aim of "increasing operational readiness" and "maintaining the capability of the forces to handle sudden and complex incidents."
It specified that the 210th Bashan Division, responsible for the deployment on the border with Syria and Lebanon, participated in the exercises. The statement details that "the forces practiced on dozens of scenarios," including "incidents with mass casualties" and "medical evacuations."
"The maneuvers included the assimilation of combat lessons from all sectors, and in particular the lessons from October 7 (2023), with an emphasis on the use of reserve forces, firepower, special forces, and the surveillance of the entire system of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)," the Israeli Army stated.
In the same vein, it insisted that "the IDF will continue to conduct periodic maneuvers with the aim of maintaining and strengthening the readiness of the forces, deepening cooperation among all agencies, and ensuring the security of the residents of the Golan Heights and all citizens of the State of Israel."
The announcement of these exercises comes just two days after the Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al Shaibani, reiterated Damascus's willingness to work for a "diplomatic solution" with Israel, despite the repeated Israeli attacks in recent months following the fall in December 2024 of Bashar al Assad's regime.
Al Shaibani denounced that "Israel continues its aggression with Syrian territory" and recalled that several high-ranking Israeli officials have assured that their forces will not withdraw from the strategic Mount Hermon, captured after Al Assad's flight. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Syria "maintains the commitment to seek a diplomatic solution and works diligently to achieve that goal."
Israel and Syria have held several rounds of dialogue, including one in Jordan, although Israeli forces have continued with their raids and bombings. Among these operations is an attack launched in August against a military base, justified by Israel by alleging the presence of Turkish troops, a claim that was rejected by Ankara. The United States criticized its ally for this offensive.