IDF Launches Surprise Military Exercise in North

The IDF launched a surprise military exercise on Sunday in northern Israel to examine the capabilities of IDF troops operating in the region. According to an IDF spokesperson, the exercise, which is scheduled to end on Monday, had been planned in advance. Residents of communities in which the exercise is taking place have been asked to follow the instructions of security forces.

In addition, heads of IDF divisions including navy, army, and air force will visit bases in northern Israel to inspect their combat-readiness.

Seven Gaza residents were injured Sunday afternoon in an explosion that occurred in central Gaza. Hamas announced that the seven were being treated in a Gaza hospital, most with serious wounds. The cause of the blast was not announced. In the past, Gaza Arab terrorists have been injured or killed in similar explosions in “work accidents” as they prepared bombs or missiles to be used in terror attacks or Kassam rocket attacks against Israel.

Overnight Motzoei Shabbos, security officials said they arrested four wanted security suspects in other areas in Yehudah and Shomron. The suspects were being sought for participating in rioting and throwing stones and firebombs that endangered Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Several of the suspects were also charged with belonging to Hamas. All were being questioned on their activities by security forces.