The IDF has completed a large-scale surprise exercise along Israel’s border with Jordan, simulating rapid escalation scenarios including terrorist infiltrations into civilian communities, drone attacks, and coordinated assaults in the Dead Sea region.

The overnight drill, dubbed “Sulfur and Fire,” involved the 96th and 80th regional divisions alongside special forces units, fighter jets, helicopters, and reserve troops. One scenario reportedly simulated terrorists infiltrating a hotel in the Dead Sea area as security forces responded in real time.

According to the military, troops and reservists were mobilized and deployed within minutes, with reserve turnout in one volunteer brigade reaching 100%. The exercise also tested new defense protocols introduced following the October 7 massacre, as well as recently expanded reinforcements along the Jordanian border.

The IDF says an initial review found the updated directives significantly improved the military’s ability to respond to sudden large-scale threats, though further lessons and weaknesses identified during the drill will now undergo deeper evaluation.