Major General Golan – No emergency
Photo: Yaron Brenner
IDF: Gas mask distribution unrelated to security situation
Launch of gas mask distribution project across nation not part of emergency, army official says
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.
The gas mask project got underway Sunday east of Tel Aviv and is expected to be expanded to the rest of the country at the beginning of April.
"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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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
