JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Ministry of Communications ordered the country's cellular providers to set up energy backup for their antennas in the north as part of preparations for a possible full-scale war on the Lebanese border, according to a statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday.
To support the energy backup, including batteries, generators, energy storage, and more, the ministry allocated a total of 40 million shekels (10.78 million U.S. dollars) for the cellular companies.
Tensions have escalated on the Lebanese border since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, with mutual attacks by Israel and Hezbollah on the Lebanese border.
The ministry noted that according to a scenario formed by Israel's National Emergency Management Authority, a full-scale war on the northern front could cause prolonged power outages for many hours, affecting cellular antennas and disrupting cell phone use.
Highlighting the critical role of cellular service in ensuring economic continuity and public safety, the statement underscored its importance in maintaining communication with emergency centers, receiving alerts from the army's Home Front Command, facilitating the operations of emergency and rescue forces, and conveying instructions from government authorities.
The ministry said it is the first step on the way to achieving energy backup all over the country. ■
