U.S. sources released today for publication that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein attempted to attack Israel with biological weapons during the 1991 Gulf War, but was foiled thanks to American intervention. A heretofore classified CIA document shows that the Iraqi plan involved a test phase wherein three Iraqi MiG-21 fighter jets would fly towards Israel in order to bomb targets with conventional ordnance. In the second phase, another three conventionally armed MiGs were to fly as decoys towards Israeli targets, while a fourth plane armed with biological agents was to hit another unnamed Israeli target. The attack plan was foiled when the first three planes were downed shortly after takeoff from their base in southern Iraq.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, visiting Home Front Headquarters today, said that the Israeli public must be told the whole truth regarding the foreseen war with Iraq, namely, "that Iraq may in fact attack Israel." He said that all measures are being taken, first among them being "tight security coordination, in an unprecedented manner, with the United States."
IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Ruth Yaron emphasized today that the Israeli public is well-protected in the face of a possible Iraqi attack, in terms of personal equipment as well as passive and active defensive systems protecting Israel's airspace. "The Israeli population is trained and familiar with the various systems that are intended to provide personal protection," she said today, adding that in the 2-3 minutes of advance warning before a missile falls, the public "can enter protected areas, put on their masks and closely monitor the instructions that are broadcast in the media." Yaron emphasized the importance of closely following these instructions. "The Home Front Command did not exist in the previous war [Gulf War], but it is the professional body that exists to assist the public," said Yaron. "I believe that we are better prepared in both the public and the military than during the previous war." She said that the authorities are preparing for every possible scenario including less likely, but potentially dangerous, possibilities."
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, visiting Home Front Headquarters today, said that the Israeli public must be told the whole truth regarding the foreseen war with Iraq, namely, "that Iraq may in fact attack Israel." He said that all measures are being taken, first among them being "tight security coordination, in an unprecedented manner, with the United States."
IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Ruth Yaron emphasized today that the Israeli public is well-protected in the face of a possible Iraqi attack, in terms of personal equipment as well as passive and active defensive systems protecting Israel's airspace. "The Israeli population is trained and familiar with the various systems that are intended to provide personal protection," she said today, adding that in the 2-3 minutes of advance warning before a missile falls, the public "can enter protected areas, put on their masks and closely monitor the instructions that are broadcast in the media." Yaron emphasized the importance of closely following these instructions. "The Home Front Command did not exist in the previous war [Gulf War], but it is the professional body that exists to assist the public," said Yaron. "I believe that we are better prepared in both the public and the military than during the previous war." She said that the authorities are preparing for every possible scenario including less likely, but potentially dangerous, possibilities."