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Israel launches nationwide military drill

Xinhua, June 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Sirens were heard across Israel Tuesday morning as part of a nationwide military drill simulating three-front missile attack.

As part of the so-called "Turning Point 15," a siren was sounded at 11:05 a.m. (0805 GMT) and the Home Front Command instructed all Israelis, whether in workplaces or at home, to enter shelters or protected spaces. The second siren is expected to be heard at 07:05 p.m. (1605 GMT).

The military also made use of the Cell Broadcast, an alarm system that sends text messages about impending sirens to mobile phones. Warnings were broadcast on radio and television channels.

According to a statement by the Home Front Command, the week-long drill focused on checking the preparedness of the Israeli home-front in case of simultaneous rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria.

A spokesperson with the military said the exercise "evaluates various warning alert systems and public preparedness in emergency situations." The Air Force and the Navy will also conduct annual exercises during this week, the spokesperson said.

On Sunday, Israel's Ynet news website reported that Jerusalem sent "calming messages" to Iran and Hezbollah, after the Islamic republic and the Lebanese organization reportedly showed unease over the massing troops along Israel's northern border.

Israel stressed that the drill is intended to practice emergency situations only.

Ynet noted that the messages were aimed at preventing a mistaken assessment of Israel's intentions, given the latest setbacks by Hezbollah and the Assad regime in Syria, and the possibility of a nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers at the end of June. Endit