Plans for mass distribution of gas masks have become enmeshed in political arguments despite mounting public fears of an Iraqi chemical attack and official concern that Israel will be drawn into war.
The Supreme Court last week rejected a petition demanding Defense Minister Moshe Arens order immediate distribution of gas masks. The three judges ruled it must be decided by the government and army, not a court."I do not regret filing the suit," Attorney Dani Ernst told reporters afterward. "I made an important contribution toward increasing the readiness in the country and public awareness."
Jittery Israelis have snapped up gas masks and protective clothing from shops. The Education Ministry said it would give training in dealing with a chemical attack to pupils at the start of the academic year in September.
"I hope the government will decide at its coming meeting to pass out masks to the population without delay," Ernst said.
Arens appointed Maj. Gen. Yaacov Lapidot, head of the army's national security college, to the newly created post of adviser on civilian defense that will deal with the distribution of gas masks.
The cabinet's policymaking defense committee has been debating the gas masks issue. Foreign Minister David Levy, who wants immediate distribution, said the government would decide soon.
Levy has clashed with Arens and the defense establishment, that feels passing out gas masks would heighten alarm at home and signal Iraq that Israel is preparing for war.
The army says it has enough gas masks for all Israelis and foreign tourists.
"The dispute has more to do with politics than with anything else," said an Israeli official who has worked with both ministers.
"Levy has been overshadowed by Arens during the Gulf crisis and is still upset that Arens visited Washington and he has not."
Arens made a lightning trip to Washington last month when Iraq was threatening Kuwait. His talks with Defense Secretary Dick Cheney were the first high-level contacts between Israel's new right-wing government and the Bush administration.
Levy declined an invitation to meet Secretary of State James Baker in Paris last month citing health reasons and was forced to postpone his inaugural trip to Washington this month because of the Persian Gulf crisis.