• Published 20:10 28.02.10
  • Latest update 20:11 28.02.10

Israel begins distributing gas masks to citizens

The Israeli military says it is routine distribution and not in response to a specific threat.

By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press Tags: Israel news

Israel has begun distributing new gas masks to its 7 million citizens to offer protection against a possible chemical attack.

Israel's postal service is handing out the equipment in a process, it says, that will take about three years.

Avi Hochman, CEO & President of the Israel Postal Company stated that they have made the necessary preparations for the task, including a state-of-the art technological and logistical infrastructure.

Distribution began Sunday in the city of Or Yehuda. The distribution will continue over a period of 6 days and will then be extended to Kiryat Ono, in central Israel, and the surrounding areas.

The Israeli military says it is routine and not in response to a specific threat. Israel believes a chemical attack could potentially come from Syria or Iran.

Israel has distributed gas masks and kits with antidotes in the past, beginning with the first Gulf War in 1991. Three years ago, Israel recalled masks after some components passed their expiration date.

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  • 3. 0 0
    Israelis should say "No" to gas masks..
    • Dutch
    • 01.03.10
    • 16:57

    all these military measures are not making them safer but placing them at increased risks. Israelis should say "No" to gas masks. Dutch

  • 2. 0 0
    The safest country for Jews?
    • Solovey Razboynik
    • 01.03.10
    • 09:33

    Wasn't Israel established to be a place where Jewish people could be safe from those who would harm them? After reading this article, I would guess that Brooklyn would be a better choice

  • 1. 0 0
    taken 3 years ago promised they would be returned in 6 months
    • zionist forever
    • 28.02.10
    • 20:52

    When these masks were taken 3 years ago their owners were told the masks would be refurbished and returned within 6 months. More like they took the things back because components had expired so they legally had to take them back and they instead of refurbishing them to save money they just stockpiled them. Its only after alot of pressure they have started to do anything and it could take another 5 years for everybody to get a new mask. I would suggest anybody that still has their mask if you want to keep it ready as a form of protection for 50-100 shekel buy a new filter from an army supply store and just keep it sealed in its packaging stored with the mask. When you do get your new mask trade in the old mask and old filter and you will get a new mask and filter and you can keep the one you bought yourself sealed as a spare. If the atropine that came in the kit is well past its use by date then probably not worth keeping dont know what happens to that stuff after time.