Fearing Hizbullah’s Missile’s, ’’Israel’’ to Deploy Interceptors for Gas Rigs

“Israel” is considering the deployment of missile interceptors on gas rigs fearing Lebanese resistance’s missiles.

According to the “Israeli” daily, “Jeursalem Post”, “Israel’s” concern is that Hizbullah will try to attack the platforms with anti-ship missiles or explosives-laden vessels.
“The navy is particularly concerned about Syria’s recent purchase of the Russian Yakhont anti-ship missile, which could be transferred to Hizbullah and used to target the gas rigs,” the paper added pointing out that “Syria already tested the Yakhont in recent maneuvers.”

The weapon is said to be a sophisticated missile with a range of about 300 km.
The report also stated that “the “Israeli” navy has yet to decide which type of missile system it would deploy on the gas rigs, but the two options under consideration are David’s Sling, which “Israel” is developing for use against medium-range rockets and cruise missiles, as well as the Barak-8, which aims at protecting large navy vessels against anti-ship missiles.”

“The “Israeli” navy has already increased its patrols in the Mediterranean and is also using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to increase the range of its surveillance,” the “JP” highlighted noting that ” “Israel” currently operates “Israel” Aerospace Industries’s Heron UAV, which comes with a special electro-optic payload for maritime operations.”

Unveiling that 99 percent of all goods arriving in “Israel” by sea, the report mentioned that these include security-related supplies and military hardware.
“The area we will need to protect at sea will significantly increase with the construction of the new gas rigs,” a senior naval officer said.
“We are also very concerned with the military buildup in the region, which is seeing an increase in sophisticated weapons systems like anti-ship missiles.”

In addition, the “Israeli” navy is in talks with the War Ministry about the need for four new vessels to more effectively cover the new area of operations.
“It is seeking a larger platform than the Sa’ar 5-class corvettes it operates,” “JP” reported.

It stressed that “the vessel will have to accommodate an advanced radar system, a helicopter and a launch system capable of firing long-range air defense and surface-to-surface missiles.”
The “Israeli” navy has also informed the energy companies that it will need to install radars on the gas rigs, and the government is considering ordering the companies to help finance some of the cost.