In the following interview, General Shomron explained to Israelis why there has been no retaliation. Firstly, the damage was light. Secondly, there was no assurance Israeli action will affect the battle or influence Saddam Hussein. Thirdly, while Israel has the ability to react, "but Israel is taking risks, and must adopt a wide-ranging view -not only in terms of immediate interests, but also in terms of long-term interests of Israel being part of the Middle East..." He also lauded the U. S.-Israel cooperation the result of which Israel was showing restraint. Meanwhile, a Scud missile landed in the West Bank on 31 January and another was fired at the center of Israel on 2 February causing no injuries or damage. Excerpts:
Q: Is it possible to say for certain whether Saddam Hussein's missiles have chemical, biological or nuclear warheads?
A: First of all, I cannot say for certain. I will answer this question clearly: we have assessments and working assumptions; as for our working assumptions, there is a possibility that he will fire chemical warheads as well. Even if these are ineffective or primitive [the threat] must be taken seriously. As always, I appeal to the public, today as well, after a quiet Friday - to act according to civil defense instructions, keep gas masks in reach, and be prepared for this possibility.
Q: Nevertheless, there is still no conclusive answer to their warheads,
A: Correct. We will live with this uncertainty until the end of the war.
Q: Experts claim that the Israeli interior, despite the repeated threats, was not prepared, that there were not enough shelters, and that this is why the decision was taken to use sealed rooms.
A: I don't know who these experts are. I assume that those who want to prepare shelters which also provide protection against chemical weapons for the entire population, have not taken into account the cost [which comes at the expense] of aircraft, sophisticated weaponry and our deterrent ability in a war. All in all, the damage caused by conventional missiles, as we have already seen, is not great. I am not saying that they are not dangerous. [But] the real danger is from chemical materials. []
Q: Last evening there were a few false alarms. The sirens are out of date, shouldn't they have been changed?
A: For the most part, the sirens are old, although we did change many of them during the months before the war. Incidentally, sometimes it is not a problem with the sirens.
Q: Today, after a few quieter nights, is it possible to say that Saddam Hussein's capabilities in western Iraq are lessening?
A: I have no information that his capability has been eliminated. I assess that it still exists and is being reserved for a later stage of the war. There is no doubt that this capability has been damaged by now - missiles as well as launchers. I also assume that operators have been killed. The capability has been impaired without doubt. But I advise everyone to assume that he still has capability, perhaps not great, but capability nonetheless. The IDF has the ability to deal with the matter of the launchers. I don't think that if we destroy those last launchers in western Iraq, it will affect the battle or influence Saddam or Iraq.
Q: Will you use this capability?
A: We will use it as soon as we decide that the time is right, as far the interests of Israel go, and based on our natural right to defend our citizens. Without a doubt, we have this ability. But Israel is taking risks, and must adopt a wide-ranging view - not only in terms of immediate interests, but also in terms of long-term interests of Israel being part of the Middle East, and part of processes which will take place there after this war. I suggest that people not count the number of Scuds, or minutes. We are going to be here for a long long time, forever; and I suggest that we not count the number of minutes each time.
Q: How would you define cooperation with the U.S. now, in comparison with the beginning of the war?
A: I think that today, the cooperation between us is much better. First of all, the U.S. understands, that despite our natural right to defend our country, and to operate in western Iraq, we are taking a wide-ranging view of the interests involved, and at this stage are showing restraint - despite our capabilities. The U.S. [has shown it] understands its commitment, by making considerable efforts to prevent the cooperation from being damaged. This situation creates close cooperation between US.
Q: You said that the Americans agreed to cooperate after coming to terms which the fact that they were not succeeding in western Iraq?
A: I did not exactly say that. I said that as time passed, and missiles continued to be launched from western Iraq, the U.S., because of its commitment toward us, saw a need to consult with us. More specifically, regarding how to operate and what to do in order to lessen or destroy this threat.
Q: Has the lack of response so far, affected Israel's deterrence capability?
A: The IDFs deterrence capability does not come to light by "swatting" someone every now and then. Ultimately, those that need to know, know our capability exactly. [ ... I I would not say that our deterrence capability is being worn down. We said, and everyone believes -us, that we have the ability to carry out a harsh response the moment we want to. We have the plans and the willingness. Our response and mode of operation are dictated by wide-ranging and long term considerations and interests.
Q: Why weren't the Scuds directed at the territories intercepted?
A: I think this is an evil libel. It is clear to me that whoever started this story has no idea what a Patriot is, and what its operational capabilities are. This is a load of nonsense.