'We learned nothing': Police official criticizes IDF for leaving it out of security drill

Jerusalem Post/Israel News“The army is holding a surprise drill, it is a disgrace that the police were not included in the exercise. We learned nothing from October 7,” the official said.Follow us on GoogleIsrael Police and IDF readiness drills continue as part of Operations Advancing the Wall and Southern Wind to prepare in case of future Octover 7-style attacks, September 7, 2026.(photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 06:30A senior police official criticized the IDF over the large scale surprise drill that began on Sunday, calling the exclusion of the police “a disgrace.”“The army is holding a surprise drill, it is a disgrace that the police were not included in the exercise. We learned nothing from October 7,” the official said.According to the official, the decision to leave the police out of the drill showed that the lessons had not been internalized.IDF soldiers operating in the West Bank; illustrative. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)“The army says nothing to the police. A surprise drill that shows the lessons have not been internalized. The army has not learned the lessons. If the police are not part of the security doctrine, the country will pay a heavy price. They have to wake up.”IDF does not understand strength of police, official saysThe official added, “They do not understand the strength of the police. We are not replacing the army, the police officers do not need the soldiers, but we have to be part of it.”Following the military surprise drill, which began on Sunday without police participation, the police and IDF held a joint exercise in Eilat on Monday, during which forces practiced a scenario involving terrorists infiltrating the city.Follow us on Google