The IDF’s Homefront Command is working with cellular telephone firms and electronic experts to establish a system that would permit the military to send SMS text messages to residents in defined areas in the event of a rocket attack.

In the coming weeks, a test will be conducted with residents of the Gaza periphery communities. Once the program is developed, the military may send text messages to residents of different areas in addition to sounding sirens.

Such a system could also be used to alert residents they may leave bomb shelters or to send other official messages of importance.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)