Israel's schools have joined the ongoing rehearsal for war. Children squeeze their faces into gas masks and tie plastic bags over their shoes. A few practise evacuating the "wounded" on stretchers and sliding down escape chutes from second-floor classrooms.

Everyone must be ready for anything Iraq could send over, including Scud missiles carrying deadly chemicals or nerve agents.

Saddam Hussein launched 39 warheads at Israel during the 1991 Gulf War and Israelis are preparing for a replay.

But what are the chances of an attack this time?

"Close to zero," says Moshe Aarons. He was defence minister in 1991.

Climate of fear

"The Iraqis have far less capability than they had last time around, it isn't even clear how many if any missiles with the appropriate range are still in their possession, they know we can intercept missiles launched against us. It's a different situation this time."

Try telling that to the people of Ramat Gan, a Tel Aviv suburb that was hit by more than 20 Scuds last time around. Twelve years may have erased the rubble but not the memories.
...
"If we know there will be a war in Iraq, we know there will be a bomb, we will be at home with our family," says Ms. Saadia. "But a suicide bomber could be anywhere, so that makes me more afraid."

Israelis are not only rehearsing for war, they're waiting for it, they want to get it over with.

For many it's another anxiety added to an already heavy load.

For others it's an opportunity to change Israel's fortunes, and future.

» BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraq war fears haunt Israel