Israel Claims Hamas Has Test Fired Rocket That Could Hit Tel Aviv From Gaza
10:22am UK, Wednesday November 04, 2009
Hamas has test-fired a new rocket capable of hitting Israel’s capital Tel Aviv from the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli military intelligence.
The circle shows the 60 kilometres Israel claims Hamas can fire a new missile
It said the militant Islamist organisation launched the missile 37 miles (60km) into the sea off Gaza last week.
The development increases the likelihood of renewed conflict between Hamas and Israel according to analysts, though Hamas is denying the claims.
Tel Aviv’s apparent new vulnerability has considerable psychological significance for Israelis and the government has said it is deeply concerned.
“This is something of grave consequences and major dangerous implications,” deputy foreign minister Danny Ayalon told Sky News.
“Hamas has rearmed itself to the teeth, and with upgraded missiles and weapons and of course with a 60 kilometre range I would say that most of our population centres are within range including the outskirts of Tel Aviv.”
If the claims are true, Hamas has extended its range by a crucial 12 miles.
“Grave consequences” – Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon
Yaakov Katz, defence analyst with the Jerusalem Post, told Sky News the new missile would be a game-changer if it were fired at Tel Aviv.
“A rocket landing in Tel Aviv, having been fired from Gaza, that is something penetrating deep into Israel’s heart and that would change the Israeli public opinion about what needs to be done.”
Hamas denied Israel’s claims, calling them an attempt to “justify the crimes it committed in Gaza”.
But Israeli officials insist Hamas has smuggled in and adapted a five-metre long Iranian artillery rocket that can carry a warhead weighing 45kg.
Israel claims Hamas has amassed a stockpile of dozens of the missiles.
The innovation would give Hamas more options following Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli offensive in January that killed hundreds of its fighters as well as hundreds of Palestinian civilians.
Mr Katz said it made a second round of fighting more likely.
“I think Israel and Hamas are definitely on a collision track particularly with this new development.
“Israel will not be able to sit by as these rockets land in Israeli cities and I think Hamas will eventually want to make use of them,” he said.
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