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Binyamin Netanyahu: Israel will enjoy calm Rosh Hashana

An Israeli works in the largest gas mask factory in Israel, The Shalon Gas Mask Factory, in Kiryat Gat, Israel, September 2, 2013. Israelis are lining up at distribution stations throughout Israel to collect gas mask kits in preparation for a potential conflict with Syria. UPI/Debbie Hill
An Israeli works in the largest gas mask factory in Israel, The Shalon Gas Mask Factory, in Kiryat Gat, Israel, September 2, 2013. Israelis are lining up at distribution stations throughout Israel to collect gas mask kits in preparation for a potential conflict with Syria. UPI/Debbie Hill | License Photo

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said the country would enjoy a calm Rosh Hashana holiday despite threats from Syria.

Speaking at a ceremony in northern Israel inaugurating a new cloverleaf intersection, Netanyahu said the country would take steps to ensure a calm three-day celebration of the Jewish New Year, Israeli broadcaster Arutz Sheva reported Monday.

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Syria has threatened to attack Israel in retaliation if the United States follows through with possible military action in response to Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons.

U.S. President Barack Obama's plans to ask Congress to approve the military action was postponed until at least next week, meaning some of Israel's emergency callup of troops were released over the weekend, Arutz Sheva said.

Netanyahu said the Israeli military remains on high alert despite the slightly reduced threat.

"Israel is an island of calmness. We trust the Israel Defense Forces and our own ability to defend ourselves. I will not allow anyone to hurt our country and violate that calmness. I ask you to enjoy yourselves over the holiday," he said." "If anyone thinks they are going to ruin the peace and quiet of Rosh Hashana in Israel, they had better realize what response awaits them."

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