Israeli military officials are concerned that simultaneous missile strikes would threaten the regime in the case of war in the region.

Israel's Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Monday that Israel is likely to face simultaneous missile strikes should a war break out, Haaretz reported.

"This isn't an imaginary situation. This isn't detached from reality and if there is a war, it's very likely that this is what will happen," said Vilnai ahead of a five day large-scale drill which will begin on May 31.

National Emergency Authority Chief, Brig. Gen. (res.) Ze'ev Zuk-Rom said that "Turning Point 3" is to be held based on the lessons Israel learnt during its war against Hezbollah in the summer of 2006.

Israel which launched the 33-day war to destroy Hezbollah's military power was forced to eventually leave southern Lebanon without achieving any of its objectives.

Zuk-Rom also referred to Israel's three-week offensive in the Gaza Strip as an experience based on which Tel Aviv would carry out the upcoming drill.

The Gaza war also ended with Israel's failure to stop rocket fires from the coastal strip, and brought about international condemnation for Tel Aviv.

SB/MMN