Israeli leaders made an obvious effort to reassure the
Israeli public that they are fully in control of the
situation and prepared for an attack from Iraq. Both Prime
Minister Sharon and Defense Minister Mofaz pointedly told the
press that the country is prepared and plans to respond if
attacked. Nonetheless, no one should forget the ancient words
of Tehillim (127:1): "If Hashem does not watch the
city, the diligence of the watchman is for naught."
America seems to intend to attack Iraq, though it does not
yet appear as certain that it will do so. The US is working
through the United Nations, and the latter's inspectors are
busily searching Iraq for evidence of weapons of mass
destruction. Iraq claims that it has none, and it is allowed
none under the terms of the agreement that ended the first
Gulf War more than a decade ago. Even if the US and its
allies attack Iraq, it is not certain that Iraq will try to
attack Israel or that it is able to attack Israel. The vast
majority of its missiles were destroyed, though most suspect
that Iraq still has some hidden away. It is far from certain
that Iraq will be able to launch them.
Prime Minister Sharon, continuing in his style of realism
topped with confidence and optimism, said that the danger of
an Iraqi attack should not be ignored, but people must not be
concerned as the country is well-prepared for all possible
scenarios. "If the country is attacked it will know how to
defend itself," Sharon said.
Sharon explained that Israel will not be involved in an
attack on Iraq neither in planning nor in execution, but he
acknowledged the campaign of US President George W. Bush,
whom he called the world leader in the fight against
terrorism.
Emphasizing the cooperation with the US that has been one of
his strong points, Sharon described Israel's coordination
with the US as unprecedented. "The United States is making
every effort to prevent an attack on Israel," he said. "The
danger exists and cannot be ignored, but all the necessary
steps have been taken to prevent it. We have to tell the
truth that there is a danger, but we've taken all measures to
prevent it."
He noted that security forces, including the air force, are
well-prepared and that the early warning systems are now far
more advanced then they were during the Gulf War. He said
preparations are under way on all fronts, and Israel is aware
of the danger from non-conventional warheads in Iraqi
hands.
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, Chief of General Staff Lt.-
Gen. Moshe Ya'alon, and senior IDF officers accompanied
Sharon on Monday on a tour of the headquarters of the Home
Front Command that was formed as one of the lessons of the
last Gulf War and is responsible for management and defense
of the civilian areas and population of Israel.
After consulting with the Home Front Command, funds from the
Jewish community in the US raised through the United Jewish
Communities were allocated for the purchase of rescue
vehicles, firefighting equipment, protective masks and suits,
and emergency equipment for hospitals.
Industry and Trade Minister Dan Naveh said his ministry has
enough emergency food supplies for the entire population. The
ministry has set up a number of special teams who will be
deployed throughout the country and will ensure that there is
a steady supply of food and protective equipment, such as
plastic sheeting and tape, available if the need arises, he
said.
The IDF Spokesman said Home Front Command, in coordination
with the Education Ministry, is training teachers to instruct
children on how to use protective masks. In preparation for a
possible biological attack, it will soon be decided whether
to vaccinate the entire population against smallpox.
The Health Ministry has already vaccinated more than 15,000
medical and rescue workers and has enough vaccine for the
entire population of 6.6 million people. If necessary, the
ministry can vaccinate everyone within days, according to a
spokesman.
Defense Ministry Director-General Amos Yaron said there is
only a very small chance that Saddam Hussein will use non-
conventional weapons and called on the public not to
panic.
Some Israelis are planning to sit out the attacks either
abroad or in outlying areas of the country. There are reports
that resorts in the north of Israel have taken deposits from
individuals and organizations, reserving accommodations in
the event of hostilities.
In the last war, Iraqi missiles were targeted at the Dan area
where the population is almost exclusively Jewish, and
residents of those areas feel the most threatened.
