Israel Considers Interceptors for Gas Platforms over Hizbullah Attack Fears

The Israeli army is considering the deployment of missile interceptors on gas rigs that Israeli companies plan to construct in the sea over concerns that Hizbullah could attack them, The Jerusalem Post reported Tuesday.

The Israeli newspaper said the government fears that Hizbullah would attack the platforms with anti-ship missiles or explosives-laden vessels.

“The area we will need to protect at sea will significantly increase with the construction of the new gas rigs,” a senior Israeli naval officer told The Jerusalem Post.

“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.”

The Israeli navy is also pressuring the Defense Ministry to put in its disposal four new vessels to more effectively cover its new area of operations, the newspaper said

The vessels 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.

Energy companies have also been informed by the navy that it will need to install radars on the gas rigs, it added.