Israel gears up for large military drill along Lebanon border

JERUSALEM, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military is preparing to launch on Monday evening its largest drill in 19 years, combining different arms, near its border with Lebanon.

A military spokesperson said the exercise, which will involve thousands of ground, sea, and air forces, is aiming at "preserving the current stability in the northern sector."

The 11-day drill will involve regular soldiers and reservists, multi-layered missile defense systems, fighter jets, and drones.

The drill will be held amidst increasing tensions with Iran and Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia backed by Iran and Israel's arch-foe.