Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has announced he supports an initiative to scrap the gas mask program that has been ongoing since the First Gulf War close to a quarter of a century ago. Ya’alon feels that in light of situation assessments of threats facing Israel there is no need to continue producing them today.
Despite all the efforts to step up production and distribution, only about 60% of the nation’s citizens have a gas mask kit. Defense experts are reportedly behind the move explaining with Syria’s willingness to dismantle its chemical weapons arsenal; Israel may halt the gas mask program.
One outspoken defense establishment opponent to halting the gas mask program in retired Major-General Gabi Ofir. Ofir served as N. District Commander and Homefront Commander, and most recently, as the director-general of the Homefront Ministry. Ofir feels it is premature to make assumptions as to the level of Syrian President’s Bashar al-Assad’s compliance with demands to dismantle his chemical weapons stockpile. Ofir admits the progress made with Syria is indeed measurable and significant, but nonetheless the situation is too premature to make such a decision.
Also opposed is former Shas leader Eli Yishai, who feels such a decision at this time, is “unreasonable” for as long as Syria still has the threatening weapons in its possession.
Channel 2 News reports Damascus’ willingness to dismantle its chemical weapons does not include getting rid of biological weapons. That report questions the wisdom of the defense minister’s position along with questioning the ability of filtration systems on safe rooms in homes nationwide, questioning if those systems are capable to protecting citizens against biological attacks.
On a more mundane level, shutting down the gas mask production in Israel will result in some 500 people losing their jobs and this too is being weighed in the decision-making process.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
Israel’s “Defense Minister” trusts Syria on their word and is already ready to destroy all gas masks. LOL!
What’s with Israeli leaders? Bibi released hundreds of terrorists with blood on their hands trusting (foolishly) that they’ll be good boys and will stop their terrorism and their deadly rockets.
אם אין תורה אין חכמה