IDF brigades complete preparations: The scenario — an attempted massacre in Judea and Samaria

Ahead of the holiday period, the IDF is conducting a series of exercises in combat and defense sectors to increase force readiness for various scenarios, including a large-scale surprise attack similar to the events of October 7, 2023. This week, two brigade-level exercises were held in the Judea and Samaria sector, focusing on complex scenarios, multi-arena threats, and the defense of communities.

The IDF stated that the 'Menashe' and 'Yehuda' regional brigades completed extensive exercises in their respective sectors. Forces practiced a variety of extreme scenarios, with an emphasis on the changing security situation in northern Samaria and community defense protocols.

During the drills, forces dealt with sudden, multi-arena events occurring simultaneously in communities, on traffic routes, in the seam zone, and deep within the territory. The goal was to test the forces' ability to provide a rapid and effective response to multiple simultaneous threats. Among other scenarios, the exercises simulated the infiltration of dozens to hundreds of terrorists into communities, the seam zone, and key traffic junctions.

Commanders practiced decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and in multi-casualty scenarios, coordinating with local authorities, the Border Police, the Israel Police, the Fire and Rescue Authority, Magen David Adom, and other security agencies.

IDF activity in Judea and Samaria (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

Additionally, cooperation between special ground force units and the Air Force was practiced to enhance operational capabilities. The IDF noted that these exercises were planned in advance as part of the 2026 training schedule to ensure unit readiness ahead of the holiday period, which is traditionally considered a sensitive time for security.