Israeli Navy holds drills in preparation for possible war in the north

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the naval exercises simulated combat in the northern maritime theater. Some of the exercises were conducted in conjunction with the Israeli Air Force, including Squadron 193, which operates AS565 Panther helicopters, primarily used for maritime missions.

According to the IDF, scenarios rehearsed included intercepting drone attacks, air rescue operations from ships at sea, and refueling missile boats at sea.

The exercise comes amid daily Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. Israel has warned that it will not accept Hezbollah's presence along its border following the October 7, 2023 incident. Israel has also stressed that if a diplomatic solution is not reached, Tel Aviv will turn to military action to push Hezbollah north.

In a related development, on February 23, Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had proposed a plan for the post-conflict Gaza Strip. The Israeli leader submitted the proposal to the Cabinet on the evening of February 22.

Under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan, the Israeli military will maintain the war in Gaza until it achieves its goals: the destruction of Hamas’ military capabilities and infrastructure, the return of all Israelis kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and the elimination of all security threats emanating from Gaza. In addition, when the conflict ends, Gaza will be governed by local officials with no ties to any state or entity supporting terrorism.