IDF Chief of Staff launches surprise multi-front readiness exercise

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a surprise exercise on Sunday, ordered by Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. Codenamed "Breaking Dawn 2.0," the drill is designed to test the readiness of the General Headquarters, the mobilization of reserve forces, and decision-making processes across regional commands ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Lt. Gen. Zamir is overseeing the exercise from both the Supreme Command Post and the field. Concurrently, the IDF reported the successful clearing of a Hezbollah underground tunnel network at the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon. According to the military, these tunnels, constructed over two decades by Hezbollah's Badr Unit with Iranian planning and funding, contained command centers, weapons storage, and living quarters. In a separate development, Hezbollah launched two drones toward IDF soldiers operating in the security zone in southern Lebanon. The IDF stated that one drone was shot down, resulting in no injuries, and that Israel has initiated strikes in southern Lebanon in response to the attack.