Israeli forces prepare for possible September unrest

Israeli defence sources have revealed that the Regional Brigade located in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank has held a surprise drill based on the scenario of civil unrest around the time of the expected request for UN recognition of a Palestinian state. The drill was overseen by Israel Defence Forces Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz.

An area stretching from the illegal Maccabim settlement to Jerusalem’s borders, and going through the towns in the vicinity of Ramallah was covered by the forces involved in the drill.

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A spokesperson for the Israeli military said that troops practised storming into enclosed areas, arresting individuals by the hundreds and removing them in vehicles, firing at targets and imposing a curfew. Dozens of reserve officers who took part in the drill tested the brigade’s competence and readiness for emergency situations. They spoke with the soldiers, examined personnel files and checked the state of the ammunition available for use.