As Israel braces for potential retaliatory attacks from Hezbollah or Iran, the IDF Home Front Command announced on Sunday the implementation of a new system designed to deliver location-specific public warnings, following successful tests.
IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari emphasized that there have been no modifications to the current emergency instructions for civilians.
The innovative alert system employs Cell Broadcast technology, which allows short messages to be sent to multiple mobile users within a specified region. This approach is similar to systems used in various other countries.
According to the Home Front Command, this system will facilitate the delivery of warnings during large-scale emergencies, such as rocket attacks on Israel.
These alerts will appear directly on users’ phones without the need for any app installation or prior actions. The system will trigger an alarm along with the emergency message. However, the Home Front Command clarified that this new system is not intended to replace its existing app or the physical sirens, but is meant for unexpected large-scale emergencies. Cell Broadcast relies on the location of cellular towers rather than GPS, which has been prone to disruptions during the ongoing conflict.
During instances of rocket, missile, or drone attacks, sirens will sound in the affected areas. However, those indoors with windows closed and using loud air conditioning units or fans, as well as individuals with hearing impairments, may not always hear the sirens.
The IDF Home Front Command app, launched in 2016, uses GPS to track users and alert them to nearby threats by sounding an alarm and displaying a message.
The app can differentiate between various neighborhoods within cities to notify only those in areas deemed necessary by the IDF to seek shelter from missiles or shrapnel.
Israelis are anxious in anticipation of a probable Iranian attack in response to the explosion that killed visiting Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week — an act widely attributed to Israel. Additionally, a Hezbollah response is expected after Israel’s airstrike in Lebanon killed Fuad Shukr, a senior commander in the terror organization.
Over the past few days, Iranian and Hezbollah leaders have issued threats of severe retaliation for the assassinations, while Israeli officials have pledged a strong response to any such attack. Consequently, numerous international airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut, and several countries have advised their citizens to evacuate Lebanon immediately.
In a Sunday evening address, Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, reiterated that there have been no changes to the emergency instructions for civilians, but urged the public to stay alert.
“We are working to provide an adequate warning to prepare for any threat. But until we say otherwise, there are no changes to the Home Front Command guidelines,” Hagari stated. “We will update only when required.”
Hagari added that the military remains on high alert, maintaining readiness across air, sea, and ground defenses. He stressed that while Israel’s air defenses are robust, they are not foolproof, thus the public must stay vigilant and adhere to all instructions.
{Matzav.com Israel}