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IDF carries out ‘virtual’ annexation excercise

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to start annexation in parts of the West Bank on July 1

June 8, 2020 13:50
Lieutenant-General Aviv Kochavi

ByAnshel Pfeffer, Anshel Pfeffer

2 min read

War games and high-level military simulations are usually focused on trying to predict how the enemy will act. In the virtual exercise held on Wednesday by the IDF and the Shin Bet security service, the greatest unknown was the actions of their own government.

The IDF has been instructed to prepare for developments in the weeks before the July 1 date on which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to start annexation (or “application of Israeli law”) in parts of the West Bank. The IDF has not been told, however, not even at the highest levels, if, when or how it is to take place.

In the absence of a clear idea of what ‘‘their side’’ is about to do, the senior officers and security chiefs focused on possible scenarios of violent Palestinian reaction and earmarked units that would be rushed to the West Bank for reinforcements.

On Monday, Defence Minister and alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz formally instructed IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Aviv Kochavi “to hasten the IDF’s preparations towards diplomatic steps that are on the agenda in the Palestinian sphere.” He could have hardly been more cryptic and the statement lead to speculation that even Mr Gantz wasn’t fully aware of Mr Netanyahu’s plans. That is, of course, assuming that Mr Netanyahu has made up his mind.