Israel To Stage Largest Military Exercise In Nation's History

March 17, 2008 11:31 a.m. EST

Jerusalem, Israel (AHN)-In the wake of deadly suicide bombing attacks and the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran and Syria, Israel is preparing to hold the largest military exercise in the nation's history over five days starting on Sunday, April 6.

The military drill, which is being organized by Israel's National Emergency Authority, will take over five days in April, with Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilna'i overseeing preparations for the event.

As past of the military preparation effort, Israeli Cabinet members will meet in Jerusalem to "assess" the scope of the enemy attack and decide on Israel's response. The drill, which is designed to test Israel's preparedness in the face of an enemy attack, will involve the Israel Police, Israel Defense Force Home Front Command and other military branches, all of the country's hospitals, the Fire and Rescue Service, Magen David Adom and other rescue services.

During the mock attack, sirens will blare throughout the country, and mass evacuations will take place at several "hit zones" throughout the country, with hospitals and rescue workers testing their abilities to provide large-scale medical treatment to those wounded in the attacks.

"This is the biggest exercise in Israel's history," said one defense official involved in the mock attack planning. "This is not being done since we think there will be a war, but rather since we need to be prepared," the official added.