IDF: Threat to hit Tel Aviv taken seriously

Speaking in kibbutz Sasa, Home Front Command chief, Major General Yitzhak Garshon says army taking seriously Hizbullah threats to fire rockets at Tel Aviv
Miri Chason

Home Front Command chief, Major General Yitzhak Girshon, told reporters in kibbutz Sasa in the Galilee that the army has "dealt in a special manner with the Gulf of Haifa, so that danger to civilians is minimal, if at all. Our situation is much better than at the beginning of the war."

He stressed the issue of hazardous materials saying measures have been taken to prevent a disaster.

"Despite the surprise, we took all necessary measures to minimize harm to civilians by hazardous materials. We are working with the Ministry of the Environment which is responsible for protecting hazardous substances and we would be able to contain any event in a couple of minutes," he said.

Home Front Command Chief Major General Yitzhak Garshon (Photo: Niv Calderon)

He said preparations have been made in the Tel Aviv area in anticipation of possible missile attack. "As for residents of the center, we are taking the threats seriously. Our measures are based on a warning siren so we've instructed residents to locate protected places," he added.

Asked about shelters in Arab communities, Garshon said "terror doesn't differentiate between sects and religions. Yesterday I visited the village of Fassouta and the mayor showed me plans to build shelters before the war. But on the other side of the border the plans were different and the money that came from Iran was not destined for residents but to buy missiles."

He said residents of Arab communities have been advised to abandon their homes if they live in one storey houses on the top floor of an apartment building.

Hagai Einav contributed to this report