Israeli intelligence bodies estimate that the American strike against Iraq will begin in approximately a month from now. A source in the British Ministry of Defense reported yesterday that his country and the U.S. are planning a large penetration into Iraq via the sea, as the first stage of its ground war. Iraq is land-locked on all sides, except for a 30-kilometer stretch in the south of the country, near Kuwait, which is open to the Persian Gulf.
Preparations in Israel for such a war are beginning to get into high gear, although in a very low-key manner. Prime Minister Sharon and Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz will visit the Home Front Headquarters in Ramle today, and more gas-mask distribution centers may soon be opened. The Command is likely to begin distributing pamphlets to the public explaining how to prepare for war.
In addition, following the safe smallpox inoculation of 15,000 security personnel, another 6,000 Israelis will soon receive the vaccination. Hundreds of American soldiers are continuing to arrive in Israel to take part in Patriot anti-missile launching exercises two weeks from now. The Patriot batteries and their teams will remain in Israel afterwards as well, in case of a possible Iraqi attack against Israel. Former Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said today that the U.S. is doing everything it can to avoid a pretext for Israel to enter the war.
Preparations in Israel for such a war are beginning to get into high gear, although in a very low-key manner. Prime Minister Sharon and Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz will visit the Home Front Headquarters in Ramle today, and more gas-mask distribution centers may soon be opened. The Command is likely to begin distributing pamphlets to the public explaining how to prepare for war.
In addition, following the safe smallpox inoculation of 15,000 security personnel, another 6,000 Israelis will soon receive the vaccination. Hundreds of American soldiers are continuing to arrive in Israel to take part in Patriot anti-missile launching exercises two weeks from now. The Patriot batteries and their teams will remain in Israel afterwards as well, in case of a possible Iraqi attack against Israel. Former Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said today that the U.S. is doing everything it can to avoid a pretext for Israel to enter the war.