"The timing is more than a coincidence and is part of the army’s preparation for the upcoming days in light of changes in the region"

Israeli occupation forces’ General Staff alerted two reserve divisions on Thursday as part of an emergency drill in army bases in central and northern occupied Palestinian territories. The purpose of the exercise was to test the soldiers’ level of response and readiness for war, Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot reported.

"The timing is more than a coincidence and is part of the army's preparation for the upcoming days in light of changes in the region," Head of the Operations Division's Inspection Department, Col. Shlomi Fayer said. "The two divisions were duly found to be highly ready and capable."

Israeli Military Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz observed the activity closely during a visit to the war-reserve-stores unit in the Northern Command.

"Unlike routine inspection, this time operational activity was directed by the general staff with no pre-determined time frames," Col. Fayer said.