(Ha'aretz) - Amos Harel and Aluf Benn A number of IDF units are preparing under the assumption that they will enjoy only a six-hour warning prior to the start of the U.S. offensive. The most prevalent assessment at this time is that the attack will begin during the first week of March. The IDF Home Front Command will not declare an emergency situation with the start of the offensive, but will adjust its instructions as the situation unfolds. Defense analysts emphasize that the chances that missiles will be fired against Israel by Iraq are very small - especially in view of the absence of any intelligence on the presence of missiles and launchers in the western desert of Iraq. The arrival in Israel this weekend of senior U.S. liaison officer General Charles Simpson signals the beginning of the countdown to the start of the American offensive. General Simpson will stay in Israel indefinitely.
2003-02-21 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive