Op tests home front for first time since Lebanon War

Yesterday was the first time that the National Emergency Authority was tested in real time.

The authority was formed as part of the efforts to improve services to the home front, which had proved a weak spot during the Second Lebanon War.

The authority, headed by Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, informed civilians that the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command recommended people near Gaza stay close to air-raid shelters.

The authority, known locally by its initials Rachel, declared a "special situation" in those towns and cities. The Home Front Command broke the towns within 30 kilometers of Gaza into three groups, based on proximity.

Residents of towns within 10 kilometers of the border were instructed to remain within shelters, or no more than 15 seconds away. They were instructed to refrain from convening in large groups.

Residents of towns 10 to 20 kilometers away from the border fence - including Netivot, Ashkelon and the Bnei Shimon Regional Council - were instructed to reach a shelter within 30 seconds, should a siren sound. Residents in those areas were advised not to gather in groups of more than 100, and were told to remain within concrete buildings.

Towns 20 to 30 kilometers from Gaza, including Ashdod, Ofakim, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Gat, Rahat and others, were instructed to take cover within 45 seconds should a siren found, and not to gather in groups of more than 500.

Before Operation Cast Lead began yesterday, the Home Front Command had connected many communities within 30 kilometers of Gaza to the Color Red missile alert system.