IDF, police readiness drills continue for second day as forces train in Eilat for Oct.7-like attack

Israeli forces are training near Eilat for a surprise attack modeled on October 7, with the IDF and police conducting parallel exercises for a second day.

The IDF launched Operation “Kadmat Homa,” or “Advancing the Wall,” in the sector of the 80th Division and surrounding areas. The military said the exercise aims to improve the division’s capabilities and readiness against a large-scale surprise attack, using lessons drawn from the October 7 massacre.

All forces in the division are taking part, alongside Israel’s air and naval forces and other security agencies. The military warned residents to expect increased movement of security personnel, aircraft, naval vessels and vehicles around Eilat and along the eastern border, while stressing that no security incident was taking place.

Israel Police is participating under the name Operation “Southern Wind,” led by the Southern District under Southern District Police Commander Haim Bublil and District Commander Alon Kalfon. Police from Eilat and nearby areas are operating with security and emergency services.

The exercise includes surprise attacks, developing security incidents, multiple simultaneous scenes, traffic control, public-order duties and rapid, coordinated responses. The drills follow the IDF’s announcement of Operation Dawn 2.0 on Sunday, a surprise exercise under Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. That exercise tested the military’s ability to respond to large-scale attacks and assessed reserve capabilities, with commanders from all units called up and scenarios practiced across possible theaters of war.