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Newsletter : 8fax1218.txt
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>PD
>Israel Faxx
>JN Dec. 18, 1998, Vol. 6, No. 225
Israel Opens Gas Mask Centers
Israel Faxx Staff Report
Israel ordered gas mask distribution centers opened and deployed Patriot anti-missile batteries as defense against possible attack by Iraq. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Israel has "no intention" of being part of the new confrontation between the United States and Iraq but reserves the right to defend itself. "We are preparing for every eventuality," Netanyahu told Israel radio.
Referring to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, he said, "Who knows
what is going on in that man's brain?" During the 1991 Gulf War,
Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles with conventional warheads at Israel in
hopes of breaking up the Arab coalition against him. Israel did not
retaliate.
Palestinians Support Iraq
By David Gollust (VOA-Jerusalem)
Palestinians staged rallies of support for Iraq in the West Bank
and Gaza and some led to clashes with Israeli security forces.
There were pro-Iraq marches and demonstrations in Gaza and in
several towns in the West Bank, including Bethlehem where American
flags were burned at a rally only two days after President Clinton
was warmly received there.
Officials of the Palestinian Authority avoided direct criticism
of Clinton, but expressed solidarity with the Iraqi people and
urged an end to hostilities. Among them was cabinet member and
chief negotiator Saeb Erekat: "We demand an immediate cessation of
these strikes against Iraq. We believe that only through peaceful
means can such problems be solved."
Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat, who openly sided with Baghdad
during the Gulf War, avoided comment on the new attacks but a
spokesman urged an Arab summit to seek an end to the air strikes.
US Issues Travel Warning
By IsraelWire
The Department of State warns United States citizens to consider
whether they should travel to Israel and the occupied territories
in light of the US military action undertaken against Iraq and the
potential for retaliatory action.
During previous times of tension with Iraq, there has been concerns
of chemical or biological warfare (CBW) against states in the
region, including Israel. Based on best available information, the
Department of State believes the risk of the use of chemical and
biological weapons by Iraq is remote, that delivery would be
difficult, and that Saddam Hussein's capabilities are limited.
However we are concurred that some members of our government in
Israel and the territories cannot be fully protected against the
use of such weapons. Therefore, the Department of State has ordered
the departure of certain official personnel and family members
(under the age of 18, pregnant women, and adults over the age of
65) at the Embassy Tel-Aviv and Consulate General Jerusalem.
American citizens currently in the in Israel and the territories
should take this information into account in considering whether
they should also depart the country. The airports are open and
commercial flights are available at this time.
Israel Takes Precautionary Measures
By Arutz-7 News Service
To prepare the country for any eventuality, Defense Minister
Yitzchak Mordechai and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz have
stationed Patriot missile launchers at selected locations
throughout Israel. An IDF spokesman stated today that many measures
are being enacted to increase the preparedness of the Home Front
Command and other branches of the IDF.
The IDF Home Front Command opened over 60 gas mask distribution
centers today and requested Israeli citizens to renew any outdated
gas mask kits in their possession. Israelis are also called upon to
purchase plastic sheets and tape in case of a necessity to
hermetically seal security rooms.
The Tourism Ministry states that there are enough gas mask
protection kits for all tourists visiting Israel. If orders are
issued by the Home Front Command, the kits will be distributed to
tourists via the hotels in which they are staying or via selected
Hamashbir Le'tzarcan and Bonmart Department stores in exchange for
a refundable NIS 200 deposit ($48 US).
Man Divorces Wife for Breaking Glasses When Washing Dishes
By IsraelWire
A 23-year-old Haifa man asked to divorce his wife because she
breaks glasses when she washes dishes, and he can't live
with that. The couple, who has been married a few months, decided
to divide up the household chores. The husband volunteered to wash
floors, and told his wife to wash dishes.
In the divorce request, the husband claimed that his wife was
unhappy with the dishwashing job, and therefore broke glasses and
dishes every time she washed them. The rabbinical court granted the
divorce after the wife admitted that she cannot stand to live with
her husband, who creates a scene over every broken glass.
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