|
 He described the day-long "Omega Drill", named after a fictitious
virus strain, as a precaution to ensure Israel was prepared for "any
scenario".
The nuclear blast-proof complex in the Jerusalem hills, known as the
"National Management Centre", was also used to coordinate initial
responses to the new coronavirus in March 2020.
Israel imposed lockdowns to try to tame three waves of COVID-19 but
has kept the economy and schools open since a fourth wave hit in
June, relying on measures including vaccinations, booster shots and
protective masks.
The drill involves civilian and military leaders being subjected to
mass testing, hospital admissions and curfews, Bennett's office said
in a statement. Findings from the exercise will be shared with
foreign partners.
"Israel is safe and protected. In order to maintain this, and to
safeguard the continuity of normal life, we must continue to closely
monitor the situation and prepare for any scenario," the statement
quoted him as saying.
[to top of second column] |
 The statement said nothing to
indicate the government believed a lethal new
coronavirus strain was imminent.
It also did not mention any potential flare-up
in fighting with enemies among the scenarios for
the drill.
The bunker was built more than a decade ago
because of concern about Iran's nuclear
programme and missile exchanges with Lebanon and
the Gaza Strip.
(Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by Timothy
Heritage)
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