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Amid Syria Chaos, Israelis Seek Gas Masks

Israeli gas mask kit distribution centers are facing increased demand in response to fighting in Syria.

Maariv and the Times of Israel reported that distribution centers have given out 3,700 masks per day on Monday and Tuesday, and 4.2 million total.

Haaretz reported, however, that 47 percent of Israel is still without masks. On average, since 2010, the distribution centers have given out 2,200 kits per day.

The increased demand comes as Israeli leaders fear that Syrian chemical weapons could fall into the hands of Hebollah, a terrorist group in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman said Tuesday that the transfer of such weapons would be a “clear casus belli,” according to the Times of Israel.

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