Roundup: Israel Prepares for Possible Iraqi Attack

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, September 20, 2002

Roundup: Israel Prepares for Possible Iraqi Attack

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Sales of bottled water, canned food and radio and television sets have jumped by 10 percent to 30 percent over the last few days in Israel, apparently in preparations for possible strike by Iraq in retaliation for a US attack, Israel media reported Thursday.

Israeli firms noted that these purchasing patterns resemble those seen in the days leading up to the 1991 Gulf War. However, they added, it is impossible to be certain that war fears are the only reason for the upsurge, since this is also the holiday period, when sales of food and water generally go up.

The Club-Market supermarket chain reported that purchases of bottled water have jumped 30 percent since the end of last week, while purchases of canned food are up 25 percent.

Sakal and Shekem Electric both reported 10 percent to 15 percent increases in sales of radios and small television sets over the last few weeks, compared to the same period of last year.

Kravitz, the stationery chain, reported a 20 percent increase in sales of masking tape and a 30 percent jump in flashlight sales.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer said Wednesday Israel is well prepared for possible Iraqi attack.

There is no need for panic as Israel is well prepared to meet any threat from Iraq, said the minister, adding the recently installed Arrow anti-missile batteries would provide Israel with an effective "umbrella" against missile strikes, while the Air Force can block any attempt at an aerial assault.

"We have significantly improved our ability to defend the population, and not a single citizen will be left without a working gas mask," he said.

The minister also said while he respects US decisions, and while Israel identifies with the US intention of striking Iraq, Israel has no direct role in this conflict and has no intention of doing so, unless the issue is forced by an Iraqi attack.

Just on the same day, hundreds of Israeli firemen and rescue personnel began to be vaccinated against smallpox against possible strike by Iraq's bio-weapons.

Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Weizman Shiri on Wednesday assured parliament of supply of gas masks in case of an attack.

"Israel is impeccably ready for an Iraqi missile assault," he said, adding the country now has enough masks for every citizen, not only for its citizens, but also for all foreign workers -- legal and illegal alike.

In the event of a smallpox attack, Shiri said, the government is prepared to vaccinate the entire population in a very short time. Israel has two and a half times as much vaccine as it needs for its citizenry, he added.

"Israel has never been more prepared for such an attack," Shiri declared.

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