ISRAEL: Israel has begun stepping up preparations for a possible American strike against Iraq, with dozens of army reservists who serve in anti-aircraft units receiving notification in recent days to be ready for an immediate call-up.
Some of those notified will operate two Patriot anti-missile batteries which Israel received from Germany, and which are supposed to intercept incoming Scuds should Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein again decide to fire missiles at Israel.
Other reservists expected to be called up soon are in charge of manning Hawk missile batteries, which will serve as reinforcement for Israel's air defence in the event of war.
The growing sense in Israel that a US strike against Iraq is imminent has prompted more Israelis to stock up on food and water as well as plastic sheeting and masking tape to seal off a room in their homes against a chemical or biological attack.
Military officials believe that the likelihood of Iraq attacking Israel again with Scuds, as it did in 1991, is low, and that even if it did, its capability would be much more limited than 12 years ago.