IDF Chief: Military in ‘Tense and Volatile Period’ as Snap Drill Tests Multi-Front Readiness Ahead of Holidays

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Sunday the military is operating in a “tense and volatile period across all sectors” and is preparing for the upcoming Jewish holiday season, as the army launched a surprise drill to test its top headquarters in a sudden multi-front scenario.

The remarks were delivered during an assessment with the military’s senior command as the snap exercise began early Sunday morning. According to statements released by the IDF, Zamir said the army continues to draw lessons from past events and that “the baseline posture of the entire IDF is readiness for a surprise attack.”

The drill is designed to test how the military’s highest-level headquarters function during an unexpected, multi-front emergency. Zamir said the exercise “constitutes a significant part of the IDF’s preparations for the upcoming holiday period.”

The comments come as Israel approaches the High Holidays, a period that has historically coincided with reduced staffing in some units. Since taking office, Zamir has emphasized year-round readiness, citing lessons from the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which occurred during a holiday when many forces were on leave.

The IDF said the exercise involves commanders being called up without prior notice and assesses decision-making, force mobilization and coordination across commands and branches. Officials noted that increased military movement, including aircraft, may be visible but said there is no indication of an imminent security incident.

Zamir has repeatedly described the current security environment as spanning multiple arenas, including Gaza, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria and threats originating from Iran. He has also directed that operational force levels not be reduced during the holidays.