IDF Prepares for Rocket Attacks

Israel’s civilians live under the constant threat of rocket attacks. Hamas terrorists in Gaza are known to fire rockets on communities in Israel’s southern region. In addition, Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon hold more than 60,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in Israel.

The IDF built a massive disaster site, placing dummies beneath piles of debris to represent trapped civilians. The disaster site was designed to make the exercise highly realistic, modeling the implications of a real-life rocket attack.

According to Col. (res.) Danny Twiser, an IDF commander who oversaw the exercise, the disaster site was a major step forward in the training of IDF rescuers. “It is usually difficult for us to practice scenarios like this, because we need to create a disaster site,” explained Col. Twiser. “This time, we were able to offer the rescue battalion sites in which they could train to strengthen their skills.”

To enhance communication, the exercise tested the IDF’s new Orange Flame system. The advanced system allows for a direct line of communication between the IDF and Israel’s emergency services. “One of our outstanding achievements in the exercise was the integration of local forces in the fabric of the forces working in the Judea and Samaria region,” Col. Twiser said. “The drills include cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships.”

In addition to rocket attacks, the exercise prepared forces to deal with earthquakes, terrorist bombings, and other types of emergencies.