IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz surveys reserve troops. Photo: IDF Spokesperson.

JNS.org – The Israel Defense Forces held a comprehensive drill on Sunday to prepare for a scenario in which global jihadis enter Israel and take hostages in multiple locations.

The drill simulated a situation in which terrorists from Syria or Sinai infiltrate Israel and hold civilians captive in various venues, including hospitals, a hotel and a remote village. IDF troops were sent mock emergency call-up notices. The goal was to replicate a real-life situation and take into account all the logistical and operational pitfalls of such an event.

Most of the participating IDF troops were not informed of the drill ahead of time. The military’s chain of command, from Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz on down, was part of the drill.

“The overall impression from the drill was good, although there are many details that need to be sorted out,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement Sunday.