The distribution of new gas masks across the nation as of this week was not prompted by an emergency state on the security front, IDF Home Front Command Chief Yair Golan said Monday.
"We are not dealing with an operation, but rather, with routine," the senior military officer said. "We intend to turn it into a policy whereby the distribution of masks is taken for granted and constitutes part of the emergency equipment of every citizen."
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| Israelis to get new gas masks / Hanan Greenberg |
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Preparing for non-conventional attacks: Residents east of Tel Aviv will be first to receive new gas masks, starting Sunday; Army officials say distribution unrelated to current security threats or intelligence assessments |
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The Home Front commander also noted that the army had not yet received the full budget that would allow the production of gas masks for all of Israel's citizens. However, he estimated that the funds will be handed over soon in line with the government decision on the matter.
"There are question marks over the future of the distribution; it's not a simple matter, but we hope the issue will be resolved," he said.
Major-General Golan added that at times of emergency, the Home Front is prepared to take over the responsibility for distribution from the Israel Postal Company, which won the tender for the project.
Earlier, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai also addressed the issue, making it clear that the gas mask distribution "is unrelated to the security situation or to threats."
Tova Dadon contributed to the story
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