IAF: Concern over Hezbollah Attempts to Insert UAVs into Israel

by Or Heller

The IAF concludes 2012, states that there is concern of the use of UAVs for terrorism purposes. IAF Commander Eshel refused to comment regarding the row of explosions in Hezbollah's warehouses, only saying that "it's dangerous to sleep with rockets"

 

Major General Amir Eshel, IAF Commander 
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

The Israeli Air Force concluded the year 2012, and stated that the greatest concern is of increased attempts by Hezbollah to attain accomplishments by inserting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Israeli territory. According to the IAF, Hezbollah is encouraged by the successful entry of its UAV into Israeli territory during the past October, and senior IAF officers said that up to 50 kilograms of explosives can be loaded onto a UAV which would serve as a precise rocket.

IAF Commander Major General Amir Eshel refused to say whether the IDF or the air force were connected to the series of explosions in Hezbollah's weapon warehouses which occurred recently, and said that "it's dangerous to sleep with rockets at home - whatever happens, happens.”

Eshel also discussed the accomplishments of operation Pillar of Defense last month in the Gaza Strip. “The operation achieved accomplishments that are being studied throughout the region. This is a red light or a warning to anyone that attempts to operate,” Eshel said. “However, we must not rest on our laurels.”

He added that “The IAF will be put to much more difficult tests than what was presented in Pillar of Defense. The enemy will utilize more force, and we will use more force.” With regards to the issue of whether or not deterrence was attained at the end of the operation, Eshel said that "deterrence is a difficult term to classify. Deterrence can be examined in retrospect, and it is difficult to examine it while looking onwards. According to senior officers, it is possible to win and beat the other side considerably, but there will be no white flag, and the last rocket fire will be theirs.

As to the Iranian challenge, a senior IAF officer said that "We are responsible for ensuring that the saying "all the options are on the table" has validity, and we have very good capabilities with regards to Iran."

Eshel also referred to the issue of the deteriorating standing of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "Syria's process of disintegration is an existing fact. It’s in our back yard. There are stockpiles of advanced weapons there, including unconventional capabilities. I don’t know what will be on the day after. Beyond the questions, we have as key role to play and it is to deal with the unconventional weapons. This is an issue for Israel, one that stands before the decision-makers, and it is a very complex issue.”

Or Heller

Source:http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=483&ArticleID=1844

Copyright - Original materials copyright (c) by the authors.