BICOM

Israel’s government yesterday authorised the call-up of a limited number of reservists and anti-missile systems were strategically deployed as precautionary measures were taken against a potential Syrian response to a Western air strike.

The security cabinet agreed to the mobilisation of an estimated few hundred reserve soldiers, thought to be limited to those serving in the Home Front Command, Military Intelligence and those assisting the operation of anti-missile defence systems. Meanwhile, it was widely reported that Iron Dome batteries, designed to combat short-range missiles, were moved to be stationed near to the Syrian border. Meanwhile, Patriot and Arrow 3 anti-ballistic batteries, which tackle longer range missiles, are also thought to have been transferred to strategic positions.

However, despite the precautionary measures, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the public to go about their normal daily business. Speaking after a security cabinet meeting, he said “There is not a reason to change daily routines… At the same time we are prepared for any scenario.” Netanyahu reiterated though that “The IDF is ready to defend against any threat and prepared to respond severely against any attempt to harm Israeli citizens.” Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon gave a similar message, saying that “We need to prepare… but we also need to maintain the daily routine.” AP reports that Israeli officials believe that the chances of a Syrian attack or attempts by President Assad’s close ally Hezbollah, to harm Israel are slim.

Meanwhile, there are reports throughout the Israeli media this morning of a large spike in demand for gas masks from Israeli citizens. The Jerusalem Post says that a distribution point in Jerusalem closed early yesterday as it could not cope with requests, while according to the Independent, the Israel Postal Service which distributes the masks has reported a tripling in demand in recent days.