Israel state of alert to last "at least two more weeks": FM

JERUSALEM (AFP) Apr 02, 2003
The state of alert in Israel prompted by fears of Iraqi Scud missile attacks, will last at least two more weeks, according to Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom, the daily newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported on Wedensday.

Shalom, who is in the United States for a series of meetings with with the US government, told the newspaper in an interview published on Wednesday: "The state of alert in the country over fears of an Iraqi will remain in force for at least a further two weeks."

The minister's estimate came after talks with US President George W. Bush, the newspaper said.

On Tuesday, Defense Minister Shaoul Mofaz had also said the state of alert would not be lifted.

"When we are sure that the threat of missile attacks has passed -- but it has not and the threat still exists -- we will review the state of alert," Mofaz said on Israeli public television.

During the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles at Israel from the west of the country, killing two people, injuring several and causing heavy damage.

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