Mofaz: Number of reservists to be cut, but alert remains high

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz on Sunday announced at the weekly cabinet meeting a decision to cut the number of army reservists called up for the Iraq war in those places where they are not needed, Israel Radio reported.

Mofaz added that assessments regarding the Iraqi threat to Israel have not changed and that Israel will remain on high alert, especially in the Home Front Command, the Air Force and Intelligence branches. Neverthless, the army continues to be ready for the possibility of an immediate call-up of hundreds of reservists. He called on the public to maintain their sealed rooms and to take their gas mask kits with them at all times.

According to the defense establishment, no new instructions will be given to the public in the next few days, even though there is a general feeling that "nothing will happen."

The chances of an Iraqi missile attack on Israel remain the same, according to the defense establishment's assessment over the weekend of information received from the Americans.

The IDF continue to maintain that the probability is still low but that one cannot rule out the possibility that the Iraqis have the potential to launch missiles from western Iraq, even though there are special forces working both in the air and on the ground in that region.

Israeli defense officials are in touch with the American forces and have been updated about a large number of possible launching sites that have been checked and found "clean."

Nevertheless, there are still sites that have not been checked and there are mobile missile launchers that have been well camouflaged, from which Israel could be within range.

Meanwhile, sources said last week's report about two launching pads that were destroyed in western Iraq referred to the aerial bombing of two heavy trucks believed to be carrying surface-to-surface missiles. It is not clear whether or not they were indeed doing so.

According to a military source, not one missile launcher has yet been found in western Iraq. He said, however, that so long as there are sites and hiding places that have not yet been checked in this vast area, and until there is better surveillance and physical control of the area on the ground, the threat of an attack cannot be discounted.

Military sources said the alert might have to be maintained for several weeks. They said that as soon as there is a possibility of lowering the alert level, the public will be informed but that it is too soon to talk of this now.

The sources denied they were trying to cover their backs and said anyone with the relevant information and responsibility would act in similar fashion. At the same time, the IDF is considering releasing some of the reservists called up with emergency orders, in the next few days, if the situation warrants.

Security sources in Israel have also expressed concern over the suicide attacks against allied forces in Iraq and said they are on the alert for a possible new wave of sympathy bombings against Israeli targets. Over the past few days, leaders of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have called for suicide bombings against Israelis.