Israel holds major civil defense drill

JERUSALEM - Agence France-Presse

An Israeli army Merkava tank is seen in the Israeli annexed Golan Heights near the border with Syria on May 22, 2013. AFP photo

Israel launched yesterday a national civil defense drill, which the army said will this year focus on the threat of unconventional weapons at a time of growing regional tensions.

“The threats against the Israeli home front have significantly increased in recent years,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the beginning of the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks relayed by his office. “Israel is the most threatened state in the world; it is under missile and rocket threat. We are prepared for any scenario,” said Netanyahu.

The annual drill, the seventh of its kind, will encompass the army’s home front command, the defense ministry, government bodies, municipalities and local authorities, rescue organizations and school systems, the army said in a statement.

“This year, the national exercise will focus on preparing the home front for required government, civilian and military response to an unconventional weapons scenario within the home front,” the military statement read. The drill will end on May 29.