Israelis told to prepare for war

Israelis were tonight told to acquire all the equipment they need to protect themselves in case of an Iraqi attack.

The Home Front Command, stopped short of telling the people to actually prepare a sealed room in their houses, saying residents “should complete their preparations and acquisition of insulation materials and other equipment for sealed spaces.”

The notice also said that people “must not open their gas mask kits without specific instructions” to do so.

Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said final instructions about preparing sealed rooms will be given when Israel learns that a US-led offensive against Saddam Hussein is about to begin.

“As of now, we do not have information about the timing of the beginning of the battle,” he said.

The conflict “will begin soon,” Mofaz said, “and when we know the date, we will update the public.”

He added that according to Israeli intelligence, Saddam Hussein does not have missiles deployed within range of Israel, and the probability of Israel’s being attacked is low.

However, if Iraq strikes, he said, “Israel will know how to defend its citizens.” Mofaz indicated that Israel’s response might include a counterattack.