IAF in refueling exercise
IAF in refueling exerciseIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The IDF is conducting a series of exercises near Gaza, Southern Command Chief Major General Shlomo (Sami) Turgeman announced Sunday morning, including a series of flying exercises in the Gaza Belt area from Sunday morning until Sunday night. 

Security vehicles are patrolling the region and aircrafts will be flying overhead, Turgeman warned. He reassured Gaza Belt residents that loud noises were not rockets, but controlled explosives used for practice during the exercise. 

In any actual emergency situations, the IDF will give local residents instructions, he added. 

The IDF also said that the exercise is part of a range of activities that take place throughout the year to improve operational readiness in Gaza and is designed to improve IDF competence. 

This is the second major exercise in a month since new IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Gadi Eizenkott has taken the post; the previous exercise was conducted throughout Judea and Samaria.