Monthly Archives: May 2010

National Home Front Exercise, Turning Point 4, Concluded Yesterday, 28 May 2010

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The National Home Front exercise, Turning Point 4, concluded yesterday, Thursday, May 27th 2010. The IDF Home Front Command, the National Emergency Authority, search and rescue forces, local Israeli authorities, government offices, security organizations, the education system as well as public and private organizations all participated in this exercise.

The exercise integrated the command post exercise and the field exercises in different scenarios, all of which were run by the National Emergency Authority. With the help of the Home Front Command’s local liaison officers, 253 different local authorities participated in the exercise and simulated emergency scenarios. Non-conventional and conventional field exercises were carried out throughout the country from Tuesday to Thursday (the 25th to the 27th of May, 2010). Also simulating emergency scenarios were the education, health and welfare systems, all governmental offices, factories, hospitals, essential facilities, and strategic sites.

Turning Point 4 included the sounding of 12 main sirens, one of which was heard throughout the  entire country. The sirens found to be out of order will be repaired in the coming months.

Throughout the exercise, 2600 sirens went off, 95 of which were found to be malfunctioning. Over the past year, since Turning Point 3, the Home Front Command installed over 900 sirens.

Over 27,000 protective kits were distributed to the Israeli public at eight distribution stations. The IDF Home Front Command reemphasizes that the Israel Postal Company continues to distribute kits in distribution stations in Ashdod, Rishon Leziyon and Ramat Gan. The kits can be delivered at a cost of 25 NIS at the number 171.

More than 15,000 civilians contacted the Home Front Command information center in regards to a variety of issues including: reports of malfunctions of the alert systems, information regarding protective kits and information regarding field drills. Additionally, Home Front Command emergency spokespeople and the Home Front Command Broadcast Studio participated in the exercise.

The IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, visited different exercise sites and participated in situation assessments at the Home Front Command headquarters. Israeli Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, and his deputy, Mr. Matan Vilnai,  also visited the exercise, and were briefed on its course and conducted situation assessments.

During the exercise, the IDF Chief of the General Staff said that exercises and drills are a central part of the IDF’s effort to improve preparedness. In addition, the Chief of the General Staff pointed out the central role of the IDF Home Front Command in a war scenario.

The Commander of the Home Front Command, Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, conveyed his appreciation to the Israeli regional councils and government offices for their participation during the exercise, the comprehensive preparations and the successful execution of the exercise. In addition, Maj. Gen. Golan thanked the thousands of Home Front Command reservists for participating and carrying out their tasks so well.

The exercise is aimed at improving national preparedness and responses of the home front at the national level to emergencies, based on inter-organizational cooperation and integrated activity. During the Turning Point ‎4, lessons learnt in past exercises were implemented as were the lessons learnt from the Second Lebanon War and Operation Cast Lead.

The exercise, taking place for the fourth consecutive year, was scheduled and planned in advance as a part of the IDF’s 2010 training plan. IDF exercises take place routinely in all of the different military units, areas and scenarios.

Photos of Exercise Turning Point 4 – Simulated Attack on Chemical Factory, 25 May 2010

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On Tuesday (May 25th, 2010) the Home Front Command conducted an exercise in preparation for potential cases of attack on a factory containing toxic materials in Holon, near Tel Aviv.

This exercise is part of the week-long Turning Point 4 exercise, taking place throughout the country  for the fourth consecutive year, scheduled and planned in advance as a part of the IDF’s 2010 training plan.

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US Chief of National Guard Observes IDF Home Front Command Exercise, 25 May 2010

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Chief of US National Guard Bureau Visits Turning Point 4 Home Front Command Exercise

Earlier today, the Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau, General Craig McKinley, met with the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, and the OC Home Front Command, Maj. Gen. Yair Golan. General McKinley arrived for this visit to Israel as part of the IDF Home Front Command exercise  Turning Point 4.

 

The goal of the visit is to familiarize General McKinley with the Israeli home front emergency services and specifically the IDF Home Front Command. This will include observing exercise sites and studying the lessons learnt by the IDF in general, and the Home Front Command specifically, following the Second Lebanon War and Operation Cast Lead.

During the visit, General McKinley visited the Home Front Command Broadcast Studio and Information Center, participated in command-level situation assessments and listened to a special briefing regarding the IDF medical and rescue delegation to Haiti.

Throughout the exercise, General McKinley will join OC Home Front Command, Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, and visit various exercise sites, Israeli regional councils and field drills involving Home Front Command battalions in northern and southern Israel.

The Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau, General Craig McKinley, sits down with the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi

The Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau, General Craig McKinley, sits down with the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi

Booby Trapped Donkey-Drawn Wagon Used in Attempted Attack, 25 May 2010

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An explosive device concealed on a donkey-drawn wagon exploded along the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip earlier this morning. The explosive device was hidden by a Palestinian terrorist.  The device exploded as the donkey approached the security fence, killing it instantly. No injuries or damage were caused to IDF forces.

This incident is yet another attempt by terrorists to conceal their operations using agricultural activities for cover.

This is not the first event in which livestock were used to mask terror operations. On June 6th, 2009 an attempted terror attack occurred in the vicinity of the Nahal Oz crossing. Gunmen approached the Gaza security fence in the area with a number of trucks and five horses carrying explosive devices. A number of the gunmen were wearing explosive suicide belts.

Also today, two mortar shells were fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, hitting the Ashkelon Shore Regional Council, in the same area of the explosion.

The IDF holds Hamas solely responsible for terror activities from the Gaza Strip.

Overview of The Humanitarian Situation in the Gaza Strip, 25 May 2010

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Since Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip, it has politically institutionalized radical Islam in Gaza. Hamas, supported and funded by Iran, denies Israel’s right to exist and continues to build up its weapons stockpiles so as to continue attacking the Israeli civilian population. Since 2010, 140 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip. Hamas uses all means available to smuggle weaponry into Gaza. Whether they are using smuggling tunnels or fisherman boats, Hamas is constantly trying to smuggle in missiles, launchers, guns, explosives and materials for building weapons. IDF operations in the Gaza Strip, including the maritime closure and crossing restrictions, arise from the need to maintain the safety of the citizens of Israel from the terrorist threat in the Gaza Strip and to prevent weapons smuggling. The Ministry of Defense and the IDF allow the crossing of goods and equipment in a routine and frequent manner, and enable the transfer of people for medical, religious, welfare, business or diplomatic reasons. This summary provides facts and figures which illustrate Israel’s efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Food Products and Clothing:

  1. Most types of food are allowed into the Strip, and are transferred by the private sector or by international organizations.
  2. During 2009, 30,920 trucks containing 800,000 tons of supplies were transferred into Gaza. This included fruits and vegetables, meat products, poultry and fish, dairy products, sugar, rice and legumes, flour and yeast, oil, and more. Furthermore, 10,871 heads of cattle were transferred for the Muslim holidays of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.
  3. In the first quarter of 2010 (January-March), 94,500 tons of supplies were transferred in 3,676 trucks to the Strip: 48,000 tons of food products; 40,000 tons of wheat; 2,760 tons of rice; 1,987 tons of clothes and footwear; 553 tons of milk powder and baby food.
  4. In 2009, 572 trucks containing approximately 5,000 tons of medical supplies entered the Strip.
  5. In the first quarter of 2010 (January-March) 1,068 tons of medicine and medical equipment were transferred in 152 trucks.
  6. In 2009 two elevators were transferred to hospitals in Gaza, as was a CT imaging system (to the Red Cross hospital), and equipment for a mammography machine (which checks for breast cancer).
  7. During the first quarter of 2010 four trucks with special supplies for a project of the “Al Quds” hospital were transferred to the Gaza Strip, and an additional 13 trucks are scheduled to cross.
  8. Due to fears of a swine flu outbreak, three Israeli hospitals were assigned to treat cases in the Gaza Strip and 44,500 immunizations were transferred to the Strip.

Equipment for Essential Civilian Infrastructure:

  1. In 2009 Israel transferred 41 trucks of equipment for the maintenance of the electricity grid, and the state continues to provide approximately 60% of Gaza’s electricity.
  2. In 2009 over 105 million liters of fuel were transferred to Gaza’s power plant and over 3.2 million liters of gas were transferred for UNWRA operations.
  3. In 2009 127 trucks containing more than 3,000 tons of hypochlorite entered the Gaza Strip for water purification purposes. Moreover, 48 trucks of equipment for improving the sanitation infrastructure led to a substantial reduction in the Beit Lahya facility’s waste levels.
  4. As part of the preparations made for winter, 3,607 tons of glass was transferred to the Gaza Strip. According to UN reports, windows in all education and health institutions were repaired.
  5. In the first quarter of 2010 Israel transferred:
    • 250 trucks with equipment for the UNWRA summer camp, including: arts and crafts equipment, swimming pools, inflatable toys, ice cream machines, musical instruments, clothing, sports equipment, etc.
    • Seven trucks with equipment for upgrading the sewage pumping station, which was carried out by UNWRA.
    • 74 empty containers for UNWRA for use in classrooms and bathrooms
  6. Certain types of materials, such as cement and iron, are more restricted. These products are openly used by Hamas for developing its arsenal, building bunkers and launching sites, and making rockets and mortars.
  7. Despite the risk, the transfer of these items is also permitted under supervision, once it has been cleared that these materials are for civilian purposes only. Already in the first quarter of 2010, 23 tons of iron and 25 tons of cement were transferred to the Gaza Strip.

Movement of Residents in and out of the Gaza Strip

  1. Despite the inherent dangers involved, Israel permits Gazans and visitors to travel between Gaza and Israel, from Gaza to Judea and Samaria, and abroad for medical treatment, religious pilgrimages, and business trips. Whenever possible Israel allows for diplomatic activities as well as trade and commerce with the Gaza Strip.
  2. Here are a number of examples from 2009:
  • Delegations from abroad: 21,200 activists from international organizations from over 400 diplomatic delegations were permitted entry into Gaza, and 2,200 Palestinians employed by international organizations were given exit permits from the Gaza Strip.
  • Education, Vacations and Pilgrimages to Holy sites: 147 permits were given to Palestinian students for academic studies around the world. During the Christmas holiday approximately 400 permits were given to visit Bethlehem from Gaza as well 100 permits to travel abroad.
  • Business: 257 permits were given to businessmen from Gaza to facilitate business operations.
  • Sports: Special permission was given to Gazan footballers to train in Judea and Samaria and compete in international matches abroad.

Trade and Commerce

Israel has taken measures to support  trade and commerce, the banking system, and the existing financial market in the Gaza Strip:

  • In 2009 1.1 billion NIS was transferred to the Gaza Strip for the ongoing activity of international organizations and to pay the salaries of Palestinian Authority workers.
  • 40 million damaged bank notes were traded for new bills, and at the request of the Palestinian Monetary Fund, 282.5 million shekels were transferred from Gazan to Israeli Banks.
  • In February 2010 an agreement was reached with the Palestinian Authority’s National Insurance Department to ensure that pensions reached those formerly employed in Israel. The funds were deposited in banks in Judea and Samaria, while the Palestinian Authority was given the responsibility of distributing the funds to the pensioners in Gaza.

Conclusion

The State of Israel seeks to achieve regional stability and protection of her citizens. It is not in the interest of Israel to harm the people of Gaza and the state does its utmost to assist aid efforts, so as not to harm the quality of life for the residents of Gaza. Hamas, in its continued efforts to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip, harms the people of Gaza and undermines further development. Despite these ever-present security threats, the IDF continues to allow the transfer of commercial goods, building materials, and medical equipment into Gaza.



Meeting between IDF OC Central Command and Palestinian Officials Results in Announcement Regarding Easing Measures, 24 May 2010

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The IDF OC Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Mizrahi, and the Head of the Civil Administration, Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, held a coordination meeting with Palestinian Authority officials today. In addition to discussing various security-related issues, Maj. Gen. Mizrahi and the Palestinian officials agreed upon the implementation of the following goodwill measures towards the Palestinian population in the Judea and Samaria Region in the near future:

  • Entry of tourists to the city of Bethlehem will be permitted via all crossings.
  • 50 Israeli tour guides will be issued entry permits to Bethlehem.
  • The Adh-Dhahiriya crossing, southwest of Hebron, will be opened to allow free passage of Palestinians.
  • Easing of restrictions for senior Palestinian businessmen going through security crossings.
  • The Qeidar road, near Ma’ale Adumim, will be opened for Palestinian movement.
  • 60 additional road blocks will be removed throughout the Judea and Samaria region.
  • Israeli – Arab civilians will be permitted to travel through all security crossings located on the Judea and Samaria region security fence. Additionally, they will be able to enter Tulkarem via the 104 crossing on weekends.

The IDF will continue to operate firmly against terrorism while sustaining liaison and coordination with Palestinian officials, in order to maintain the life routine and security of all residents of the Judea and Samaria region and the State of Israel.

Photos of Search and Rescue Drill as Part of Turning Point 4 Exercise, 24 May 2010

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As part of the national home front exercise “Turning Point 4″, IDF Search and Rescue forces exercised evacuating wounded from within ruins and cleansing an area that suffered an attack from an unconventional rocket. The drill, which took place this morning at the IDF Home Front Command National Search and Rescue Academy, included Israel Police Forces, Magen David Adom Emergency Services personnel and Oketz canine unit forces.

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National Home Front Training Exercise Turning Point 4 to Begin Tomorrow, 22 May 2010

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The National Home Front exercise is to begin tomorrow, Sunday, May 23rd 2010. The IDF Home Front Command, the National Emergency Authority, search and rescue forces, local Israeli authorities, government offices, security organizations, the education system as well as public and private organizations will participate in the exercise.

The exercise is aimed at improving national preparedness and responses of the home front to emergencies. The exercise will improve cooperation between the various organizations and institutions and prepare them for different scenarios.

The exercise, taking place for the fourth consecutive year, was scheduled and planned in advance as a part of the IDF’s 2010 training plan. This exercise is an additional measure taken by Israel to prepare the public and the local authorities for emergency periods.

A 1.5-minute-long siren will be heard throughout the country on Wednesday, May 26th 2010 at 11:00 AM. In addition, on Tuesday through Thursday, May 25th- 27th, 2010 field training exercises will take place simulating different scenarios during which additional sirens will be heard.

The education system will also take part in the exercise, during which the students and teachers will simulate entering the designated secured areas.

This year the exercise will focus on the preparedness of the local authorities during emergencies. The exercise will replicate emergency scenarios in more than 30 local authorities throughout Israel in cooperation with the Home-Front Command.

The IDF Spokesperson and the IDF Home Front Command ask that the Israeli public take part in the exercise and be aware of the instructions given by the Home Front Command which have proven to be effective and life-saving.

Following the siren, the public will practice entering the designated secured area and stay there for approximately ten minutes. In cases where entering the designated secured area is not possible, the public is asked to methodically carry out the necessary actions that are to be taken during an emergency and practice them as soon as possible.

The exercise will also examine warning systems on cellular phones and civilians in certain areas may therefore receive text messages that read “Have a nice day” signed by the IDF Home Front Command.

In addition, the IDF Home Front Command will practice distributing protective kits to the public during emergency periods. The distribution points will be opened for one day on May 26th in several locations; Safed, Yokneam, Tira, Tzur Hadassah, Rishon LeZion, Petah Tikva, Holon and the Reading Power Station in Tel Aviv. Residents of these cities will receive invitations via post.

During the exercise, all essential services, including hospitals, public transportation, conventions and public events will continue to work as usual.

  • If you fail to hear the siren, please contact and inform the Home Front Command Information Center at #1207.
  • For information related to public and private shelters please contact municipal information centers.
  • For further information contact Home Front Command Information Center at #1207 or the internet website at WWW.OREF.ORG.IL

Photos of the Weapons Found on Two Terrorists who Infiltrated Gaza Security Fence Yesterday, 22 May 2010

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Yesterday (May 21, 2010), two Palestinian terrorists infiltrated Israel from the Gaza Strip with the apparent intention of commiting a terror attack. The two were spotted by the Givati Brigade and the Armored corps near Kibbutz Nirim, several meters from the Gaza  security fence. The troops fired and killed the terrorists. Below are photos of the weapons found on the two terrorists who attempted to commit the terror attack:

Weaponry used by the terrorists

Weaponry used by the terrorists

Weaponry used by the terrorists

Weaponry used by the terrorists

Weekly Summary of Humanitarian Aid Transferred into the Gaza Strip, 18 May 2010

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Over the last week, between May 9th and May 14th, a total of 637 truckloads, consisting of 14,069 tons of humanitarian aid were transferred into the Gaza Strip from Israel via the various crossings.

Additionally, 781 medical patients and accompanying individuals from the Gaza Strip crossed into Israel and the Judea and Samaria region for medical treatment. 191 staff members of international organizations crossed into the Gaza Strip, and 202 crossed from the Gaza Strip into Israel.

The following goods were among those transferred to Gaza:

  • 810,209 liters of Heavy-Duty-Diesel fuel for the power station.
  • 21 truckloads of  milk powder and baby food.
  • 897 tons of cooking gas.
  • 66 truckloads of fruits and vegetables.
  • 51 truckloads of wheat.
  • 27 truckloads of meat, chicken and fish Products.
  • 40 truckloads of dairy products.
  • 117 truckloads of animal feed.
  • 36 truckloads of hygiene products.
  • 38 trucks of clothing and shoes.
  • 22 trucks of Sugar.
  • 4 trucks of medicine and medical equipment.