The Israel Air Force has called up reservists to operate Patriot missile batteries deployed around the country in anticipation of a possible Sept. 11 attack, Ha’aretz reported today (see GSN, Aug. 23).

Officials decided a few days ago to deploy the missiles at three sites — in Haifa, near Gedera and in the Eilat region — according to Ha’aretz.  Reservists mobilized on emergency orders are working at some of the batteries.

“A combination of intelligence information and assessments,” has led officials to believe that al-Qaeda, Hezbollah or Palestinian terror groups might try to mount a large air strike on major Israeli targets on the anniversary of last year’s Sept. 11 attacks, a senior defense source said.

In preparation for a possible U.S.-led offensive against Iraq, air force officials are considering maintaining the Patriot batteries even after the anniversary date, Ha’aretz reported (see GSN, Aug. 23; Ha’aretz, Sept. 6).

About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines

HOME  |  CONTACT US  |  GET INVOLVED  |  SITE MAP

Back to top