The Israeli Navy conducted a multi-day maritime drill this week, deploying warships, submarines, Shayetet 13 commandos, and support from the Israeli Air Force and cyber units to test responses against potential sea-borne and aerial attacks. The exercise, confirmed by official IDF statements and reports from the Times of Israel on February 12, 2026, simulated scenarios including defense of offshore gas rigs and other strategic maritime assets.

This large-scale operation demonstrates Israel’s ongoing focus on securing its exclusive economic zone, particularly areas with high-value natural gas fields such as Leviathan, which generates over $10 billion annually. The drill included coordinated strikes, rapid response maneuvers, and cyber defense simulations, emphasizing readiness against evolving threats from Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah.

Shayetet 13 commandos participated in specialized boarding and sabotage countermeasure operations, while submarines and warships conducted layered defense exercises against simulated naval incursions. The Air Force provided aerial reconnaissance and interception scenarios, integrating with naval and cyber units to respond to combined threats.

Officials noted that exercises like this enhance Israel’s ability to maintain operational control over strategic offshore infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted energy production and reinforcing deterrence against hostile actors. Analysts highlight the importance of demonstrating rapid-response capabilities in both conventional and asymmetric maritime threats.

The drill also signals Israel’s commitment to joint-force integration, combining naval, air, and cyber assets to defend critical infrastructure. By showcasing operational readiness and strategic coordination, the exercise strengthens both domestic security and deterrence posture in the Eastern Mediterranean amid regional tensions.