Peace and Justice Post

An IAF fighter jet.
Photo: IDF [file]

Fighter jets, cargo planes and missile defense systems of the corps took part in the drill where defense from a simultaneous attack against Israel from the south and the north was simulated.

Unlike previous drills, the air force did not train on long-range sorties, such as those that would be carried out during an offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities; the drill this past week focused on defending the country.

During the exercise, the scenario included war against Hamas in the South and war against both Hizbullah and Syria in the North.

In early June, the Israeli home front will be practiced in the most far-reaching rehearsal for an emergency rocket attack ever carried out. All Israelis will be instructed to enter secure spaces and sirens will sound out throughout the country.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who received a briefing on the results of the past week’s exercise, was positively impressed and said “we have a strong air force and this gives us a sense of security.”

Referring to the Iranian test-launch of a long-range ballistic missile on Wednesday, Barak said it was “more proof that we must develop means to confront” the Iranian threat.