Israeli air force holds ‘surprise’ drill near Lebanon border

Israeli military exercise comes amid intensified attacks in neighbouring Syria targeting Iranian military assets.

Israel’s air force has begun a “surprise exercise” to improve combat readiness along the United Nations-demarcated Blue Line between it and Lebanon, according to its military. The military said on Monday that the drill, which will last until Wednesday, would result in increased air traffic throughout the country and that explosions may be heard in northern Israel. It said the “exercise simulates combat scenarios in the northern front and will test all components in the (air force’s) core missions, including maintaining aerial superiority, protecting the country’s skies, as well as attacking and gathering intelligence”.