Israel's military will conduct an Oct. 25-26 drill in northern and central Israel, one day before the parliamentary election, with troops set to respond to a surprise attack and air and land infiltrations.
The air force will join units from Northern Command, Central Command and the West Bank Division. The 210th, 98th and 96th divisions are also scheduled to participate. The IDF expects heavier movement of security forces and aircraft in the exercise areas.
The army placed the drill on its 2026 training calendar. It said the exercise would strengthen forces' ability to defend across several fronts and prepare for a possible escalation along the borders. The military reported no concern about a security incident.
The IDF announcement did not cite the election as a reason for the exercise. Israel's Central Elections Committee lists Oct. 27 as Election Day, one day after the drill ends.
