Israel last night began issuing emergency call-up papers for several hundred reservists ahead of an imminent US strike on Iraq, while the army advised Israelis to stock up on all the materials needed to seal a room in their homes against a chemical or biological attack, writes Peter Hirschberg in Jerusalem
The reservists being called up in the limited mobilisation are those who serve in Home Front, intelligence and anti-aircraft units.
The army has yet to actually order the public to seal rooms in their homes, and military officials made clear yesterday that Israelis were not yet being told to open their state-distributed gas mask kits until further notice. In a statement broadcast on local media, the Home Front said Israelis "should complete preparations and stocking up equipment for sealing rooms and other items needed in the sealed space".
Israelis have been advised to buy plastic sheeting to seal a room, and to stock up on water, some basic foodstuffs, and a torch.
The US and Britain yesterday announced they were advising all non-essential diplomatic personnel to leave Israel. Both countries also issued travel advice urging their citizens in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza Strip to leave because of the threat of war with Iraq.
"There is a risk of an attack against Israel from Iraq in the event of hostilities. This might involve chemical and biological weapons," read the travel advice posted on the British Foreign Office website.