REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JERUSALEM - Israel's prime minister on Sunday tried to soothe a jittery nation unnerved by the standoff between the US and Syria, saying that Israel is "calm and self-assured" and ready for "any possible scenario."

Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address President Barack Obama's decision to put on hold potential military action in Syria. But media commentators on Sunday criticized Obama for appearing indecisive, after signaling last week that a U.S. military strike was imminent.

While the government has urged Israelis to stick to their routines, the threat of hostilities in the region has caused widespread jitters. With the US threatening to strike Syria in response to alleged chemical weapons use, many Israelis fear that Syria might retaliate by attacking across the border at Israel.

Crowds of Israelis have been lining up at special gas-mask distribution centers in recent days, and the military has deployed a series of missile-defense systems near the Syrian border and in the heavily populated Tel Aviv area.

"Israel is calm and self-assured. Israeli citizens know very well that we are prepared for any possible scenario," Netanyahu told his Cabinet. "Israeli citizens must also know that our enemies have very good reasons not to test our strength. They know why."

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