No less than 6,000 members of Israel Police took part in what is being labeled the largest training event ever.

The event was held in the army’s Tzeilim training base on Thursday, simulating various law-enforcement scenarios, including civilian rioting and unrest. While there is a modicum of criticism due to the cost involved, NIS 20 million, police officials explain the event will not only test police, but other agencies as well, including the government’s office responsible for informing the public in the event of a national emergency and the National Emergency Authority. Police feel that members of the force from around the country taking part in the event will better prepare them for major disturbances, using the October 2000 riots in the Israeli Arab Triangle area as an example.

Meanwhile, approximately fifty Border Police and Israel Police officers were injured during the exercise.

Hospital officials said that the injuries included breaks, dislocations and eye injuries.

20 of the casualties were evacuated in light condition to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and most were discharged after preliminary treatment.

Another five injured police officers were taken to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, one of whom was suffering from chest pains.

The injuries were sustained when the police officers playing the role of security forces and their colleagues, who were imitating rioters, beat each other.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)