Israel’s Home Front Command says Haifa District is prepared — Jerusalem Post

The Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command has declared the Haifa District in Israel prepared for military threats from Iran, Yemen’s Houthis and Hezbollah following multi-front drills. As The Jerusalem Post reports, this was stated by Haifa District commander Col. Yakir Bukabuza.

More time to reach shelter

According to Bukabuza, over the past year, the time available to civilians in Haifa and surrounding areas to move to safe locations has increased from 60 to 90 seconds. He noted that the additional time should give schoolchildren and other people more opportunities to safely reach a protected location and make decisions concerning their own safety.

The commander also reported the introduction of an early warning before the siren and improvements to protected spaces for the population. According to him, the Home Front Command has improved its ability to rescue people more quickly in areas of major destruction, including after strikes by powerful ballistic missiles.

Drones, cluster munitions and emergency services

Answering a question about readiness for massive drone attacks, Bukabuza said that the command continues to learn and gain experience even during combat operations. He mentioned Operation Roaring Lion, which, according to him, significantly affected Haifa and northern Israel.

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Regarding the threat of cluster munitions, the commander said that countering them is primarily the task of the Air Force’s air defense system. At the same time, according to him, home front services have improved their ability to locate munitions more swiftly after they fall in order to reduce secondary damage and risks.

Bukabuza also said that during the conflict with Iran, major chemical facilities in Haifa were struck, while response services gained real-time experience. According to him, emergency action plans provide for rapid coordination among RAHEL, the police, the fire service, Magen David Adom and other bodies. He added that these mechanisms were tested during recent drills.

The commander stated that the Haifa District of the Home Front Command is prepared to respond, while emphasizing the need to continue strengthening vigilance.