IDF finds 12 liters of poisonous bromine hidden in Arafat's Ramallah
compound

Aaron Lerner Date: 19 April 2002

The following is IMRA's translation of part of an item by investigative
reporter Yoav Yitzchak's report in today's Ma'ariv:

The Palestinians, perhaps with Iraqi inspiration, have begun preparing a
chemical arsenal for their war against the Jews. I have learned from
information brought to my attention that on April 10 six suspicious tubes
were captured in the Mukata building in Ramallah [IMRA: Arafat's compound]
and each of them contained two liters. They were buried in a sandbox,
apparently due to their fragility and in light of the dangers associated
with their content.

A short check proved that they contained bromine. The IDF Technology Unit
removed the tubes from the location.

Bromine is a volatile liquid, of brownish-red color and it is extremely
poisonous if inhaled. It is a corrosive that dissolves tissue, particularly
in humans. It is dangerous if inhaled even at a concentration of one per
million. Very low concentrations of the chemical are used in the production
of flammable material, disinfectants and in the pharmaceutical industry.

A small quantity (say a few hundred cc) out of the total quantity seized
could cause - if for example it is attached to an explosive device -
considerably damage and even cause mass murder in such closed areas as
shopping malls.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director
IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-5480092
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
pager 03-610666 subscriber 4811
Website: http://www.imra.org.il