Shortage of gas masks in Israel

The cabinet on Sunday decided to cut NIS 480 million from the overall defense budget - mostly from administrative expenses - and instead redirect the funds to the Home Front Command and for defense procurement.

In total, the defense establishment received in Sunday's decision NIS 400 million for procurement of new weaponry and military platforms as well as NIS 344m. for the home front, out of which NIS 110m. is designated for the renewal of gas masks.

Acknowledging that the population's gas masks will not be renewed and effective for at least another two years, defense officials told the Post Sunday that the IDF Home Front Command was currently considering proposals, if the need arises, to make emergency purchases of gas masks from Israeli and American companies.

Meanwhile the Post has learned that the defense establishment plans to set up a National Emergency Administration in the coming weeks that will integrate the IDF, Israel Police, Magen David Adom and Fire and Rescue Service and which will have a headquarters at the Kirya military complex in Tel Aviv.

The administration - the brainchild of former deputy defense minister Ephraim Sneh - will serve as a war room at a time of emergency and be responsible for collecting all information from emergency services and presenting updated reports to the military and political leadership.