Munich: The Israeli army is set to conduct a drill on Sunday near the occupied West Bank, amid escalating regional tensions with Iran. A military statement revealed that the exercise will take place in the Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut settlement, located 30 kilometers west of East Jerusalem. The statement did not specify the duration of the drill but noted that there will be active movement of security forces and vehicles in the area during the exercise.

According to Anadolu Agency, while the timing of the drill coincides with mounting tensions with Iran, the Israeli army emphasized that the exercise had been scheduled in advance as part of its 2026 annual plan. The army recently executed two separate drills on Thursday-one on land in the Red Sea area around Eilat and another at sea in the Mediterranean.

The geopolitical climate remains tense following indirect talks between the US and Iran in Muscat on February 6. These discussions, mediated by Oman, focused on Tehran's nuclear program and marked the resumption of dialogue after an eight-month hiatus. The suspension followed US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day Israeli conflict with Iran in June 2025.

In recent weeks, the US has notably increased its military presence in the region, urging Tehran to engage in negotiations before the opportunity is lost.