IDF Soldier showing child how to put on gas mask. Photo: IDF.

The Israel Post Office chief said Wednesday that the demand for gas masks has seen a dramatic uptick in recent weeks as the fear that chemical weapons from Syria could fall into the hands of terrorists has increased.

Speaking to Israel Radio, Haim Mazaki said there has been “increased demand in recent days following reports about the transfer of chemical weapons to terrorist groups in Syria.”

On Sunday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting: “We must look at our surroundings, at what is happening in Iran and its proxies, what is happening on other fronts, with the deadly weapons in Syria… The Middle East is not waiting for the outcome of the elections and does not pause while the government is assembled.”

Since his statements were publicized 4,000 gas masks have been distributed, compared to an average of 1,400 per week. In total, 4.7 million gas masks have been distributed. The total population of Israel is close to 8 million.