TEL AVIV, Aug 11: Israel has told the United States that if it were attacked by Iraq, the country would respond vigorously, Ha’aretz daily said on Sunday in its online edition.

During the 1991 Gulf War, Israel sat tight even though it was fired upon by 41 rocket attacks, so as not to damage the Arab alliance put together by the United States in the war.

With increasing discussion about a possible military campaign against Iraq, Israel informed the United States and its other allies that the country would fully respond.

Media reports in Israel indicate that the Bush administration has promised Israel a 60-hour warning before starting an attack against Iraq.

Israel is currently installing new batteries in its Arrow rockets along its defence lines.—dpa