Czech Republic discusses joint military training with Israel

The Czech military is discussing with its Israeli partners about an exercise of elite soldiers from the special forces to be held in Israel under the name Sand Dune in the next half of 2013, said the Czech defense ministry. "The plan of the joint training of the Czech military with foreign partners also includes the Sand Dune exercise in Israel," said defense ministry spokesman Jan Pejsek. Fifteen special troops who were deployed in combat operations against terrorists in Afghanistan should improve their combat skills in the fights in buildings and built-up areas. In 2009, the Czech and Israeli defense ministers signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim to strengthen the cooperation of defense forces. The document has created a framework for sharing security information, cooperation in research projects in armament and training of both militaries in the other country's territory. Czech and Israeli special forces held a joint exercise two years ago.