Not missiles or explosive belts: the police drill designed to simulate a biological terror attack

The Israel Police conducted its first-ever biological terror response drill, amid rising security tensions ahead of the holiday season. The exercise took place in Ma'ale Adumim and at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, with the participation of the Defense and Health Ministries, Magen David Adom, Fire and Rescue Services, the IDF, and the local municipality. Forces practiced identifying hazardous materials, locating exposure sites, treating casualties, and preventing spread, alongside a police investigation to determine the source of the incident.

The Israel Police conducted its first-ever biological terror response drill, amid rising security tensions and just before the holiday season. The exercise, led by the Judea and Samaria District, lasted two days and took place at multiple locations in Ma'ale Adumim and at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus. Unlike a shooting or bomb attack, in a biological event the first sign may only appear after people have been exposed to the material and begin developing symptoms, making the first minutes and hours critical. Forces practiced rapid identification of the material, locating the exposure site and individuals who came into contact, evacuating and treating casualties, and preventing further spread. Alongside the medical effort, a police investigation was conducted to determine whether the outbreak was natural or a deliberate event, how the material was distributed, and who was behind it. The exercise involved the Defense and Health Ministries, Magen David Adom, Fire and Rescue Services, the IDF, the hospital, and the local municipality. The central test was the ability to connect in real time between information coming from the field, hospitals, and the investigation. Security officials emphasized that the drill was planned in advance as part of an annual series in the field of non-conventional terrorism.