Where is my mask?
Photo: Avi Moalem
Vilnai: We need to straighten this matter out
Photo: Asaf Ravitz, Defence Ministry
Gas mask distribution could be delayed
Feud between Defense, Finance ministries could delay mask redistribution. 'Matter needs to be straightened out once and for all,' says Vilnai
The distribution of gas masks to Israeli civilians, scheduled for January 2009, is expected to be delayed.
According to Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, an internal dispute between the budget departments of both the Defense Ministry and the Treasury could cause a delay.
The masks, which are currently being restored, were returned by the general population a few weeks ago, and were scheduled to be redistributed in April. It seems now that that decision, which was decided upon by the security cabinet, may not be carried out.
"We need to straighten this matter out once and for all", Vilnai told Ynet. "We need to make sure that every citizen has a functioning gas mask kit in their home, so that the decision makers won't have to deal with this problem should an emergency arise, thus giving them time to deal with other matters".
The estimated budget for re-distribution stands at NIS 220 million ($61 million), per year for the next five years. The budget department in the Ministry of Defense had allocated NIS 150 million ($41 million) with the additional NIS 70 million ($20 million) requirement shared between the Treasury and Defense Ministry. Not only did both ministries not reach a deal, but with a budget cut, the price went up, leading to the debate as to who will pay.
Masks will report their condition
The Ministry of Defense had already made some decisions regarding the manner in which the masks will be distributed to the general population. The masks will have a chip embedded in them which will record their condition, and alert the owner if the mask needs to be replaced.
Vilnai said that when the time comes, the IDF's Central Command will be able to appropriately respond.
When the problem is resolved, the distribution process is expected to occur gradually, so that areas that have been classified as "most viable for attack" - central and northern Israel - would be the first to receive the masks, with the rest of Israelis receiving their masks at a later stage.
