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| Israeli soldiers conducting drill |
Israel is preparing the country for an unconventional missile attack, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Israeli Knesset this week.
A three-day national drill to prepare government and civil organizations for an unconventional weapons attack began on Monday, the Israeli military said.
The drill, which is called "Turning Point 7", began throughout the country amid a backdrop of threats facing Israel. During the exercise, security forces were simulating missile attacks against Israel from several fronts.
"This year, the national exercise will focus on the preparation of government, civilians and military forces to a scenario of unconventional weapons attacking the home front," a statement from the Israeli army said. The drill will end on Wednesday.
Israel is the world's most threatened country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday.
"Threats against the Israeli home front have increased significantly in recent years, Israel is the most threatened country in the world, It is under constant threat of missiles and rockets, and we are prepared for any scenario," Netanyahu said.
Participants in the drill include the Ministry of Defense, the National Emergency Authority, municipalities and local authorities, government offices, defense and rescue organizations, and the national school system, the military said. Defense Command was also testing its ability to alert civilians through their cell phones.
“Israel is under constant threat and the government needs to keep citizens informed. Also, drills must be held regularly in order for people to know what to do when a real emergencies arise,” Avraham Pearl, 30, of Tel Aviv, Israel told YourJewishNews.com after being asked to comment on today’s drill.
Two air raid sirens were sounded on Monday, the first at 12:30 pm, in which the public was asked to enter shelters for 10 minutes. The exercise was for schools, kindergartens and workplaces. The second siren, at 7:05 pm, was for families to practice seeking shelter at home.