The IDF’s Home Front Command launched a surprise exercise in its Southern District on Tuesday morning, calling up active-duty soldiers and reservists without advance warning to test their response to a simulated conflict involving Iran and the Houthis.

The exercise was kept secret from participating troops and began with soldiers being summoned from their sleep, allowing commanders to assess how quickly forces could respond to an unexpected emergency.

The drill, scheduled to continue through Wednesday, involves rescue forces and command headquarters. Scenarios include airlifting Rescue Brigade personnel from central Israel to the south, rescuing wounded people, responding to destruction and conducting special activities at Zikim Beach.

The exercise also tests the ability to maintain essential civilian functions during an emergency.

The IDF said the drill is part of implementing lessons from October 7 and comes as Israel marks three years since the outbreak of the war.

Military officials emphasized that the exercise was planned in advance and was not prompted by a specific intelligence warning.

They also praised reservists’ continued motivation, saying they reported promptly despite the unusual call-up hours and three years of sustained fighting.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)