Israel today launched its largest civil defence drill to test the response of soldiers, emergency crews and civilians to simulated missile barrages, terrorist attacks and chemical strikes. The five-day annual home front drill comes at a time of high tensions in the region with Iran threatening to decimate the Jewish state if its nuclear facilities come under attack and suspicions in the region that Israel could be preparing for a war. Israel has relayed messages to Arab states about the drill, stressing that it has no plans to launch an attack. Hundreds of police officers taking part in the exercise will practice how to react in the event of missile attacks – routine security, guiding traffic and maintaining order. Israel began to test its home front preparedness conducting annual drills following the war against Hizbullah in 2006 where severe lapses were exposed in Israel's readiness.