Dawn 2.0: IDF chief launches exercise testing military readiness ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary

Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Defense NewsAccording to the IDF, increased movement of military forces, including aircraft, will be noticeable throughout the country, though it affirmed there is no concern about a security incident.Follow us on GoogleIDF soldiers operating in the West Bank; illustrative.(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 09:23A surprise exercise titled “Dawn 2.0,” meant to test the readiness of the IDF general headquarters and main command centers, began on Sunday, the military announced.Under the direction of IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, the drill is meant to test the heat-of-the-moment readiness and abilities of the IDF to deal with large-scale attacks, as part of the country's preparations to strengthen defense ahead of the holiday period.As part of the exercise, surprise scenarios and multi-scene events will be practiced in all possible “theaters of war,” the military explained. Commanders from all units of the military were called up, forces mobilized, and the IDF's reserve capabilities are being assessed.According to the IDF, increased movement of military forces, including aircraft, will be noticeable throughout the country, though it affirmed there is no concern about a security incident.As part of the exercise, the IDF is practicing and assessing the implementation of operational plans, alongside lessons learned from fighting on various fronts and from the events of October 7.An Iranian cleric visits the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Museum in Tehran, Iran, November 12, 2025 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)Iran reportedly rebuilding 'Axis of Resistance,' Israeli intel. suggestsOperation Dawn 2.0 comes a day after The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli intelligence indicated that Iran is allegedly preparing for a broad, coordinated attack against Israel on several fronts simultaneously, in a scenario resembling a future October 7-style assault.According to the alleged assessments, Iran is seeking to combine its own forces with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen, and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq in a single campaign.Tehran is now allegedly seeking to address that gap precisely, according to recent reports from Arab media. The plan under consideration is intended to enable several fronts to operate against Israel at the same time, making a multi-front campaign part of the strategy from the outset.Signs have also emerged of an Iranian effort to rebuild the "Axis of Resistance" and renew coordination mechanisms between the various fronts.A report published last month said the IDF had identified renewed coordination between Hamas and Hezbollah with Iranian assistance, as part of an effort to increase pressure on Israel simultaneously from the North and South.In addition, according to a published IDF assessment, Hamas and Hezbollah had already begun coordinating an increase in their activities in recent weeks with Iranian assistance.Anna Barsky contributed to this report.Follow us on Google