BICOM

The Israeli Air Force is conducting unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance missions over the Israeli gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea. The decision to deploy IAF drones was made following threats by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon that it would protect Lebanon’s maritime sovereignty and threatened the Israeli gas fields.

The Israeli Navy has also drafted up an operational plan to protect the offshore gas fields and will have the backing of the unmanned aircrafts, which will provide 24-hour presence over the site. Israel’s concern is that Hezbollah will try to attack the Israeli gas rigs at sea in explosive- laden ships, or with anti-ship missiles. Head of Naval Intelligence, V.-Adm. Yaron Levi said last week that Hezbollah and Hamas possess the capabilities and have obtained advanced missiles that can be used against Israeli oil and gas rigs. Levi also noted that the Navy is closely monitoring all ships that sail into the Mediterranean. In February, the Navy intercepted a ship carrying Iranian made anti-ship missiles that were destined for Hamas in Gaza.