In what may soon become a reality chas v�sholom, the IDF�s Homefront Command on Tuesday will be conducting a major simulated missile attack in the Lachish region, which includes the Yoav and Sapir councils, as well as Ashkelon, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Gat and Ashdod.

The army�s homefront commander states the timing has nothing to do with the recent escalation in rocket attacks, explaining the exercise was planned months ago.

Despite Hamas announced 24-hour ceasefire, three Kassam rockets landed in southern Israel on Monday. According to Arab media, Hamas agreed to the one-day halt in attacks in compliance with an Egyptian request to enable 80 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

ISA (Israel Security Agency � Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin told the government earlier in the week that Hamas now possesses rockets capable of striking the areas included in the simulated exercise.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)