Two readiness exercises in Israel
The annual Israel home front drill, “Turning Point 6,” taking place Sunday simulates a major earthquake followed by a tsunami washing up from the Mediterranean against Israel’s coastal cities. It postulates 7,000 deaths, 70,000 injured and 170,000 rendered homeless. Updated Homeland Front directives advise people in its path to run for open ground instead of staying indoors.
The US-Israeli three-week war game also starting Sunday simulates an Iranian, Syrian and/or Hizballah missile attack on Israel. It deploys 1,000 American and Israeli soldiers each, using Patriot, Arrow and Iron Dome anti-missile batteries. The Israeli homeland exercise is also relevant to a possible war with Iran. Its commander, Lt. Gen. Eyal Eisenkott, said the practice would inure the population and authorities to preparedness for different kinds of emergencies.