Israel launches nationwide defence drill

JERUSALEM - Israel Sunday began a five-day civil defence exercise to enhance the ability of the army, the local authorities and civilians to respond to possible missile and rocket attacks on the Jewish state.

The annual exercise dubbed “Turning Point 4″ will be carried out across Israel, Xinhua reported.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF), police, emergency and rescue personnel, local authorities, as well as the public are involved, the IDF said in a statement.

This year’s exercise will simulate emergency scenarios, including missile and rocket attacks, as well as strikes by unconventional weapons, to test the preparedness of the local authorities.

The drill will expand to the general public Wednesday when a siren will be sounded across Israel and civilians will be instructed to enter the “designated secured area”, the statement added.

The exercise comes amid heightened tension at the Israeli northern border.

Deputy chief of the Lebanese Shia armed group Hezbollah Naim Qassem said last week that the group will “remain stronger than all Israeli schemes”.

Israel last month accused Syria of giving Hezbollah long-range Scud missiles, an accusation denied by Damascus.

Israel’s ongoing exercise sparks speculations that Israel is preparing for a war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Sunday’s cabinet meeting that the drill was scheduled long time ago. “It is not the result of an unusual security-related development,” he said.