Iran is emptying several of its sites in Syria as a result of ongoing Israeli operations which have increased over the past year, announced Israeli Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
“We have struck over 500 targets this year, on all fronts, in addition to multiple clandestine missions,” Kochavi said.
Kochavi, who was briefing a group of Israeli military correspondents, indicated that the Israeli operations slowed down the Iranian entrenchment, however, he said: “we still have a long way to go to complete our goals in this arena."
Iranian bases, camps, and headquarters have also been moved from the area around Damascus towards the northern and eastern parts of Syria, and the number of Iranian troops and militia members also shrunk considerably in the past few months.
The Chief also revealed that the military has carried out cyberattacks, indicating there were several “offensive operations” in the cybersphere, which he described as “the most significant combat arena that has changed this year.”
Kochavi said 2020 was a successful operational military year in terms of protecting the borders, strengthening defense, and preventing attempts to infiltrate into Israel.
The army also reduced attacks in the West Bank, which recorded a significant drop in the number of incidents and deaths.
Within the framework of the Israeli military activities that are part of the so-called "war between wars", Kochavi said that there was an increase in the frequency and quality of operations and an expansion of the range of covert activities.
The year 2020 also witnessed close cooperation with foreign armies, including training and exchange of military expertise, with a focus on the US army, as multiple activities were strengthened in operational and technological fields, said the Chief.
He indicated that the capabilities of the Israeli army have been developed in terms of preparedness for emergencies, including the formulation of modern combat plans that focus on realizing the army’s vision of victory.
The plans also include preparing for clashes that could last for days on both the northern and southern fronts, expanding the range of targets, intensifying training and maneuvers, and increasing the range of weapons.
