IDF launches surprise ‘Operation Dawn’ drill to test readiness for large-scale attacks amid Gaza takeover plans

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a surprise drill called “Dawn” on Sunday to test the readiness of its general headquarters and key command centers, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Led by Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the exercise is designed to assess how quickly and effectively the IDF can respond to large-scale attacks. It features unannounced scenarios and operations across all potential battlefronts.

IDF Comptroller Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Sarig and his team are monitoring the drill, evaluating both the speed and quality of the military’s response. “The IDF will continue to carry out inspections across all commands, branches, and units to improve competence and readiness,” the military said in a statement.

IDF launches the surprise "Operation Dawn" to test the forces' reaction capabilities and readiness for any possible large attacks.https://t.co/AFdL4x9V9g

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) August 10, 2025

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The drill comes amid ongoing IDF activity on several fronts. On Saturday night, Israeli forces struck a Hezbollah operative in Aynata, southern Lebanon, accusing him of gathering intelligence in violation of a ceasefire with Lebanon.

Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met security officials for over three hours to discuss the Gaza campaign. The IDF Chief of Staff presented various options, and Netanyahu’s office said the military is ready to implement any decision from the Security Cabinet.

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