ISRAELI CIVILIANS IN BOMB SHELTER IN KIRYAT SHEMONA, 2000-02-07 (photo)

Israeli civilians bed down inside a bomb shelter February 7 as this northern town along the border with southern Lebanon prepares for increased tensions and possible rocket attacks from Hizbollah forces across the border. Four Israeli soldiers were killed by pro-Iranian and Syrian-backed Hizbollah troops in the last week and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has warned of retaliation. This often in the past has led to civilians being attacked and the Prime Minister has announced that civilians in the north should be prepared. Many of the residents here packed their cars and left town this evening. JWH/WS