The Home Front Command has developed the capability to issue advanced warning for attacks launched from Lebanese territory, N12 News reported on Sunday.
The window of preparation provided by the new advanced warning will vary by the geographic area targeted by the attacks, and the system is expected to be implemented within the next few days.
In March, Home Front Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Shay Klepper informed local authority leaders that the issue of warning time for Lebanese attacks is of significant concern to him, N12 reported.
He stated, “There are areas under investigation; we need to reassess our strategy,” adding that, “If we can provide more time, we will.”
At the time, Klepper also announced that he had convened a team of experts to investigate solutions for extending the warning time
Later that month, he also stated that the time window from the moment a siren sounds to when residents need to take cover in areas adjacent to the Lebanese border would be extended.
Siren time extended for northern Israeli communities
Earlier this month, Klepper announced again that the siren time would be extended further for several northern Israel communities.
“The move is part of an orderly, responsible process based on accumulated experience,” he stated. “The extension of the times is intended to enable optimal preparation in times of emergency, thereby strengthening the level of security and protecting the lives of residents.”
The warning time had already been extended since the start of Operation Roaring Lion and the IDF’s intensified counterterrorism operations in southern Lebanon.
On Tuesday, the Home Front Command announced that it is updating the warning system on its mobile phone and smart TV applications, aiming to clarify the type of event and issue clearer instructions.
The new security guideline system on HFC’s applications will include a dedicated color system, an icon, and an instruction, depending on the type of warning, among other changes. The color system follows a “traffic light” style of Red, Yellow, and Green alerts.
James Genn contributed to this report.
