Watchdog Says Few Israelis Safe From Chemical Hit

[Purveyor]

JERUSALEM (AP) — A parliamentary panel said Monday that most Israelis have no protection against chemical weapons attack and harshly criticized defense officials for what it called a "continuing mess" in failing to replace stockpiles of worn and obsolete gas mask and antidote kits.

The annual report of the State Comptroller's Committee said a 2004 Cabinet decision to collect kits previously distributed to the public and to store and maintain them centrally was never properly followed through.

"The low incidence of functioning protection kits will not allow the provision of protection to most of the citizens of Israel in the event that the country is attacked," it said.

The kits — containing gas masks, filters, syringes with an antidote for nerve gas and powder for neutralizing chemicals — were originally distributed in 1990, ahead of the first Gulf War. Although Israel did not fight in the U.S.-led war, Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles at Israel. Despite fears about Iraqi chemical capabilities, none turned out to have chemical warheads.

Syria, which borders Israel to the north and has never made peace with Israel, is known to have chemical weapons

Israel considers Iran to be its greatest threat, but the danger is seen to be posed by the potential for nuclear arms rather than chemical weapons, despite Tehran's insistence that its nuclear program is meant for peaceful purposes.

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AP: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hVuoqGf40XxQitz_URI_ORHoIIKAD96M58F80