Gas mask distribution to civilians ceases

Defense Ministry stops handing out protective gear, citing significantly reduced threat of a chemical attack

By JTA and ToI Staff 27 February 2014, 4:54 pm

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Postal workers hand out gas mask in Jerusalem in January 2013 (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Gas mask distribution centers across Israel closed Thursday, following a decision by the government to halt supplies to the civilian public.

January’s decision came in the wake of an official assessment that the threat of a chemical attack has significantly diminished, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Thursday was the last day scheduled for distribution by the IDF’s Home Front Command and the Israel Postal Company. Some 63 percent of Israeli civilians have received their gas masks, according to the Postal Company.

The government said it would continue limited production of protection kits for search-and-rescue forces and will decide on future distribution based on a defense establishment assessment at the end of the year.

Defense officials first recommended the move in November 2012.

“This is an informed decision made responsibly and thoughtfully, taking into account the change in threats in the Middle East and the strengths and abilities of the State of Israel,” Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon had said in a statement posted to Facebook after the decision.

Israel pays about $85 million a year to maintain the gas mask program, Haaretz reported.