By Michael Bachner/TPS
Eilat (TPS) – The IDF has conducted a large-scale naval drill in Eilat that concluded early Thursday morning, March 31. One of the scenarios the drill simulated was the hijacking of a civilian Israeli vessel by the Islamic State (ISIS).
All navy units, including the elite Shayetet 13 special commando unit, participated in the exercise. According to the IDF, it was meant to practice the navy’s quick reaction to immediate threats under pressure.
The scenarios simulated during the drill included terrorists invading Israel’s borders by sea; an attempted terror attack directed at an Israeli vessel; and taking over an Israeli vessel hijacked by ISIS terrorists. The latter scenario was exercised by Shayetet 13.
Increased ISIS influence and activity in the Sinai is viewed as a potential threat in Israel, and a senior navy officer said the drill is meant to improve the response to events of maritime terror attacks.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit explained that the drill had been planned ahead of time and that its goal is to continue training the forces in different scenarios.