JERUSALEM, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israel has concluded a multi-national naval exercise simulating a mega-earthquake hitting the northern country and killing thousands, the Israeli army said on Monday.

The drill, dubbed "Might Waves" and led by the Israeli navy and the U.S. 6th Fleet, is the largest naval exercise ever held in Israel.

Ten navies participated in it, including vessels and sailors from the U.S., France, Cyprus, Chile, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Britain. Additionally, the multi-national military alliance of NATO sent staff representatives.

The army said in a statement that the forces exercised the opening of a "sea gate" in the Mediterranean Sea to allow foreign countries to assist Israel after the country was hit by a natural disaster, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires.

Commander of the Israeli Navy, Eli Sharvit, said that the week-long drill, which was concluded on Friday, marked "a significant" operation for the Israeli army and its relations with other militaries overseas.

"In our view, such exercises are of supreme importance in strengthening the Israeli navy's ties with the foreign navies with whom it is likely to cooperate in various events," he said. Enditem

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