Ben-Eliezer: Vital infrastructure is protected

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Sensitive strategic infrastructure sites in Ashkelon and Ashdod are being protected by a series of secret steps decided on three months ago, National Infrastructures Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer told The Jerusalem Post, during a tour of Ashkelon Wednesday. "Anyone who thinks that arrangements can be made now to defend these sites is mistaken - now is too late. Arrangements were made months ago," Ben-Eliezer said. Three months ago, Ben-Eliezer held a series of meetings at his ministry office, at which decisions were made on how to protect vital infrastructures, Ben-Eliezer said, adding that he did not wish to disclose the specific measures or locations in the interests of national security. The Ashdod Port and the Rutenberg power station in Ashkelon are some of the vital sites in the area under rocket threat. Ashkelon Municipality officials also refrained from discussing the specific measures taken to protect the sites. Ephraim Sneh, the former deputy defense minister, compiled a report before the Second Lebanon War on defending sensitive sites from terror attacks. Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Sneh said one of the most important measures that can be taken to protect sensitive industrial sites was to remove hazardous chemicals from the area. "If Fuad [Ben-Eliezer] said steps have been taken, then they have been taken," he said.