The Home Front Prepares

“The IDF [Israel Defense Forces], including the Home Front Command, is prepared for a significant war. In the next war, one of the central weapons will be missiles. We are talking about Fajr and Grad rockets that can reach from the north of Israel to the south,” he continued, adding that although Israel's enemies have some 200,000 missiles, putting all of Israel's territory in range, these missiles are not being fired because of Israel's deterrent ability.

With regard to the preparedness of the home front, Maj. Gen. Eizenberg praised the soldiers who operate the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, which prevented Israeli casualties during escalations in Israel's southern region [this year].

He also discussed the Home Front Command's efforts to provide Israeli civilians with means to protect themselves. “Israel's government decided that all citizens would be provided with a personal protection kit [gas mask kit], and I am the administrator responsible for administering the distribution system. I manage the budget for production and for distribution via the Israel Postal Company. Our target is 100% distribution,” he said.

“In the coming year, it has been decided to focus on preparing the public for…an earthquake, which is a common natural phenomenon,” Eizenberg added. “It is very important that every household prepare for it, secure items in their houses, and prepare family emergency kits. Advance preparation and preparedness for an earthquake has, in the past, been proven to save lives and reduce damage.”