A military statement specified that the objective is to strengthen military preparation for various operational scenarios, emphasizing on emergency mechanisms and integration of land and air capabilities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) noted that the drills were planned in advance.

On several occasions the Lebanese group Hezbullah warned Tel Aviv about the consequences of a new aggression.

Despite international criticism, Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978 and in 1982 with the argument of fighting the Palestine Liberation Organization, led by Yasser Arafat.

After 18 years of presence in the Lebanese south, the IDF left the occupied territory in May 2000, due to the numerous casualties and economic losses caused by the actions of Hizbullah.

In 2006 Tel Aviv again attacked Hizbullah in an air and ground operation that devastated much of Lebanon. That campaign caused the death of more than a thousand Lebanese and 43 Israelis.

jrr/llp/mem/rob