The Israel Defense Forces' Homefront Command resumed its distribution of gas mask kits to the public Sunday, as the possibility of a U.S. attack on Syria remained ambiguous.
Last week saw thousands of Israelis descended on gas mask distribution centers, which often had to close their doors after running out of kits.
The Homefront Command said its distribution centers would work their usual hours this week, with additional centers operating only in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and Bat Yam, in central Israel, and in Haifa. Last week, despite the near-panicked demand for kits, the Homefront Command said it would not open additional distribution centers.
"We are operating on several levels and Homefront Command is geared to meet various scenarios," Homefront Command Chief Brig. Gen. Zvika Tessler said in a statement posted on the command's website.
"We are in constant contact with local authorities, government bureaus and emergency services. In light of recent developments, Homefront Command officers have been meeting with local authorities' officials to coordinate their level of readiness," he said.
According to the Homefront Command's website, barring an order to the contrary, the gas mask distribution centers will continue to work according to the command's usual annual schedule.
Meanwhile, Jerusalem has remained silent on the possibility of a U.S. strike on Syria and its potential ramifications for Israel.
Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren was the only official to comment on the matter, saying in an interview held before Rosh Hashana that Israel was "in agreement with U.S. President Barack Obama that [Syrian President Bashar] Assad's use of chemical weapons was a heinous act ... and that the Assad regime must be held accountable. It has international ramifications."
Last Tuesday, while hosting foreign ambassadors serving in Israel for a Rosh Hashana toast, President Shimon Peres said, "A man who murders children has no right to lead a country."
Peres noted that he valued U.S. President Barack Obama's "attempts to review every possible option to bring the horrible situation in Syria to its end."