Israel's defense establishment continues to say that the chances that Iraq will attack Israel are still low. A high-ranking official said in a closed briefing this morning that despite the rapidly approaching Allied assault on Iraq, no significant changes have occurred there. As such, previous intelligence evaluations regarding Saddam's limited ability to fire missiles at Israel remain as they were.
It now appears that the attack upon Iraq is no longer dependent on the UN, following US President Bush's statement last night that today would be the last day for diplomatic efforts. Instead, it depends on weather conditions in Iraq, which are currently not conducive to military maneuvers. Sandstorm conditions there are expected to continue through tomorrow. American, British and Australian officials have instructed their non-essential employees in Israel, Syria, and Kuwait to return home - and the U.S. has advised the UN arms inspectors to leave Baghdad.
Belgium, once again taking on the role of international police inspector, has informed the United States that it will not allow the Americans to use Belgian airspace on their way to attacking Iraq, if the United Nations has not approved such an attack. "We would halt the transit if the US were to engage in a move which is outside the rules of international law," Belgian Defense Minister Andre Flahaut said on Belgium's RTL television yesterday.
It now appears that the attack upon Iraq is no longer dependent on the UN, following US President Bush's statement last night that today would be the last day for diplomatic efforts. Instead, it depends on weather conditions in Iraq, which are currently not conducive to military maneuvers. Sandstorm conditions there are expected to continue through tomorrow. American, British and Australian officials have instructed their non-essential employees in Israel, Syria, and Kuwait to return home - and the U.S. has advised the UN arms inspectors to leave Baghdad.
Belgium, once again taking on the role of international police inspector, has informed the United States that it will not allow the Americans to use Belgian airspace on their way to attacking Iraq, if the United Nations has not approved such an attack. "We would halt the transit if the US were to engage in a move which is outside the rules of international law," Belgian Defense Minister Andre Flahaut said on Belgium's RTL television yesterday.