Defense Ministry chemical attack drill set for Jerusalem

Ministry stresses that drill is not tied to any current developments; exercise will include police, MDA, municipality.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Israeli soldiers in chemical weapons drill 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Israeli soldiers in chemical weapons drill 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Authorities will hold a chemical attack drill in Jerusalem next week, the Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday.
The drill was planned in advance and is part of the defense establishment's annual working plan, the Ministry added in a statement. It is part of a series of exercise to improve the country's ability to deal with unconventional terrorism. "The drill... is not tied to any current developments," the Defense Ministry stressed.
Set to be held in Jerusalem, the exercise will see government ministries link up with the Israel police, Magen David Adom paramedics, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Home Front Command, the Ein Kerem Medical Center, and the Jerusalem Municipality.
Residents of the capital will see heavier than usual traffic of emergency vehicles.
The Defense Ministry has overall jurisdiction over unconventional terrorism incidents.