Israel To Show Restraint During "retaliation Action" In Afghanistan

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon said that his country would show restraint during the "retaliation action" of the USA and its allies in Afghanistan. Last night he held consultations with army commanders, the country's defense minister and representatives of the intelligence service. It is pointed out that in their opinion, "as long as the military operation is confined to Afghanistan, nothing threatens Israel". However, according to some estimates, the situation may change in the future. Israel is not taking part in the operations of the anti-terrorist coalition and was included by Washington in its composition. During the war in the Persian Gulf ten years ago, in reply to the bombings of Baghdad, Israel, as the USA's main ally in the Middle East, was fired at by Iraqi SCAD missiles. Nevertheless, Sunday evening Israeli foreign minister Shimon Perez said that at this stage he did not see such a kind of threat. (kul/min)