Zamir Calls for Readiness for Rapid Change and Surprise on Eastern Border

IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir called for forces to be ready for rapid change and surprise during a visit to the eastern border, in a statement released by the military on Wednesday evening, November 11. He said that readiness must be the forces’ baseline posture alongside the requirement for intelligence warning. Zamir said: “In every sector we must maintain high vigilance, anticipate threats and ensure the protection of the borders and civilians.” On May 15, the IDF announced a surprise readiness test on the eastern border as part of the General Staff exercise “Sulfur and Fire,” covering the sectors of divisions 80 and 96. The exercise tested headquarters and forces from the General Staff to field units through simulated sudden operational events, with military inspectors examining performance at bases. On October 30, 2024, then-defense minister Yoav Gallant and then-chief of staff Herzi Halevi approved an eastern regional division under Central Command. The IDF said its purposes included protecting the border, Route 90 and communities, addressing terrorism and weapons smuggling, preserving a peaceful border and strengthening cooperation with the Jordanian army.