Posted on 04/15/2010 7:48:25 AM PDT by jhpigott
Unannounced security forces' exercise creates huge traffic jams across nation; police set up roadblocks on major roads, including Tel Aviv-Jerusalem Highway. Eyewitness: I've never seen anything like it
Shmulik Grossman Latest Update: 04.15.10, 17:02 / Israel News
An unannounced police drill involving other security forces caused huge traffic jams nationwide Thursday afternoon.
As part of the exercise, authorities blocked various roads in central Israel while police forces deployed nationwide en masse. The drill involves all of Israel's emergency and rescue forces, including the IDF, Shin Bet, Fire department, Magen David Adom, and Israel Prison Service.
Police officials say that a special administration was set up by the Border Guard in order to plan and prepare the major exercise in line with existing threats. Some parts of the drill required the use of civilian "extras" in order to simulate real-time events.
Among other roads, the Ayalon Freeway in Tel Aviv was blocked in some sections, as well as the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem Highway. Elsewhere, the Coastal Road was also blocked in one interchange, as police practiced their response to a major road accident.
The drill, codenamed Heavenly Angels, is being led by Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen as part of the police's regular training plan for preparing to face various threats. Police officials stressed that the exercise was not undertaken in response to any concrete information or threat.
'Tel Aviv is like a pedestrian mall'
The drill was kept secret until Thursday morning, and was expanded by afternoon, prompting especially huge traffic jams in Tel Aviv. Local resident Ofer told Ynet he never saw such unusual sight.
"I've been living here for 38 years and I've never seen anything like it," he said. "Tel Aviv is like a pedestrian mall; people are walking on the road like they do in Yom Kippur. Motorists are coming out of their cars."
"It's unclear why they didn't announce it in advance," he said. "I would have stayed home."
Vered, another Tel Aviv motorist, said "There's never been anything like this." She left the court towards Ramat Aviv, and "after three quarters of an hour I've hardly moved." She also had serious qualms with the police.
"This is what they do on Thursday afternoon? It's unbelievable. I've never been so long in a traffic jam in my life," she said.
The exercise's spokesman, Chief Superintendent Moshe Pinchi, told Ynet: "The proportional harm is an indication of the importance that the Israel Police see in being ready for a major event, by holding an extensive nationwide exercise.
He emphasized that "The exercise requires that we cope with real-life circumstances, which meant closing various areas."
"Updates will be issued throughout the day to motorists regarding closed roads and diversions," he said. "Alternative routes will also be suggested in an effort to reduce the disturbances to regular life as much as possible."
1. terror warning for Israelis to leave the Siani and come home Tuesday 2. Scud missiles delivered to Hezbollah from Syria 3. Lots of talk today that Israel may attack Syria and Lebanon for the transfer of the SCUDs 4 Surprise nation wide exercise deplying police forces everywhere and bringing the nation to a halt. 5.Bibi cancels trip to attend nuke summit
May turn out to be nothing but seems like a lot of interesting things going on right now.
ping
Also, a nation wide drill like this is nothing to be taken lightly. This could be expensive from the standpoint of productivity so I imagine it was carefully considred first.
I think the second part of his statement makes it very clear why they didn't announce it in advance.
fill up ur gas cans and head for the basement
Does anyone know what time sunset comes at in Israel. If the show is on for tonight it will be after dark.
covert op covered by an exercise IMO
Something is coming. Pray for Israel to be victorious, and for her enemies (including Barry Hussein Obama) to be humiliated and beaten.
I think Israel going forward will be among the safest countries to live in.
The people are united, educated, share and respect a common culture, and are prepared for the worst.
if you look over at the comments section to this article over at Ynet’s website, one of the comments is to the effect of “The last time I saw such a traffic stoppage was during the 91’ gulf war”
That's what the Iranians will be saying soon.
I wouldn't recommend taking the gas cans into the basement with you. Would be bad to have them there if a Scud hits your house.
Seriously, this looks like a very serious situation. End times serious?
“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.”
-Benjamin Franklin
This was either 1) Preparation for what's coming. 2) A message. 3) Cover for something else that's really going on.
Likelihood in that order, approximately. Or, it could be a combination.
I'd be really, really worried if I was anywhere near the ME right now.
Hmmm. Well, when you’ve been backed into a corner and you’ve got nothing to lose, you’ve got nothing to lose. Go Israel! And go Bibi!
Egads! Tonight is the New Moon also! HEads up, fill up the gas tanks!
Thanks. Well at least we should know by 5:00 PM Central if this is going to be the big show or not. Topped up the gas tanks, checked the generator, and restocked the pantry last night. If Israel isn’t going to do the deed, the sure as heck are doing a great job of throwing a head fake.
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