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The Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs discussed the issue of smallpox immunizations and the issue of the "Gaza and Bethlehem first |
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| (21/08/2002) |
1. The Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs today
(Wednesday), 21.8.2002, discussed the issue of smallpox immunizations
and decided to immunize "first response teams" as designated by the
health system. Response teams from the security and health
establishments, the Interior Ministry, the Public Security Ministry and
the Environment Ministry - approximately 15,000 people - will be
immunized. It was reported to the Ministerial Committee on National
Security Affairs that in light of current situational assessments, there
is no immediate danger of a smallpox attack on the State of Israel.
Therefore, immunizing the entire population of the State is not called
for at present. Additional situational assessments will be carried out
as necessary.
2. Following various media reports on "Gaza and Bethlehem first," Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon has said that as far as the security of the State
of Israel and its citizens is concerned, Israel relies, and will rely,
on itself and will implement this policy through its security
establishment.
In keeping with government policy, Prime Minister Sharon said that in
places in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip where there is security
quiet, Israel would be prepared to ease security restrictions on the
Palestinians and allow them to deal with the civilian population; this
depends on maintaining quiet and the start of counter-terrorist efforts.
Prime Minister Sharon said that the IDF pullback from Bethlehem is in
accordance with his views and in keeping with his policy of upholding
Israel's interests.
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