As American and British planes bombed command and communication targets in

southern Iraq, in what was called retaliation for the Iraqi downing of a

pilotless drone on Monday, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said that Israel is

prepared for any impending threats - from enemies both near and far.





Addressing an air force pilot course graduation yesterday, Mr. Mofaz stated

that "with knowledge of the facts and total responsibility, I conclude that

residents of Israel do not have any reason to lose sleep [over of the

situation in Iraq]."





Meanwhile, Iraqi official Hussan Muhmad Amin rejected outright Israeli

allegations that Baghdad has transferred chemical and biological weaponry to

Syria to evade United Nations weapons inspectors. Prime Minister Ariel

Sharon revealed earlier this week that Israel had intelligence regarding

such Iraqi cross-border transfers.