IDF worried Hamas may have advanced missiles

Haaretz.com ^ | Feb 21, 2007 | Amos Harel

[edpc]

There are grave concerns among the defense establishment about the possibility that Hamas' military wing in the Gaza Strip is now in possession of Sagger anti-tank missiles.

Recently, Hamas and other Palestinian paramilitary groups have stepped up their efforts to acquire more advanced anti-tank weaponry. This stems, in part, from the relative success of Hezbollah guerrillas armed with anti-tank missiles against infantry and armored units of the Israel Defense Forces during last summer's second Lebanon war.

The IDF fears Hamas has succeeded in its efforts to smuggle Sagger-type missiles from Sinai to the Gaza Strip. It appears that the number of missiles is especially large. However, the mere fact that such a weapon may be in Hamas' hands will affect the way IDF vehicles operate in the Gaza Strip, if it is decided to embark on an extensive offensive operation.

In recent years there have been many attempts by militant organizations to smuggle anti-tank missiles into the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians managed to successfully upgrade the RPGs in their possession from locally produced types to military grade equipment. However, the Sagger is a significant advance that poses a serious threat to the IDF - not only to armored jeeps, but also to armored personnel carriers (APCs), and in some instances, also to tanks.

[edpc]

The Sagger AT-3 (a NATO designation), is a Soviet-made anti-tank missile, first used in the 1960s. The missile can hit a target at distances between 500 meters and three kilometers, and penetrate 400mm of armor. It is a relatively slow missile, whose rate of flight does not exceed 120 meters per second, and it requires about 25 seconds from the time it is launched until its impact.

I would think the modern day reactive and composite armor of today's tanks would be able to withstand the effects of a 1960s era munition. Still, it's apparent Hamas is being supplied by outside forces....likely Iran, with Egyptian complicity. For many reasons, 2007 looks to be an interesting year.........

[B.O. Plenty]

To the IDF:

Shoot one of your missles at Hamas and find out for sure.

Really loud!!!.....lets-get-it-on

Damn! Im tired of this shiite...let's have a war for crying out loud.

It's now, or later.....after the muzzies get really strong.

[rawcatslyentist]

So after the next paliscumian attack, will everyone finally recognize Is-slimes right to attempt genocide?

What part of "Death to Israel" "Death to America" is causing us to doubt they mean what they say?

[ml/nj]

There are grave concerns among the defense establishment about the possibility that Hamas' military wing in the Gaza Strip is now in possession of Sagger anti-tank missiles.

It's too bad Israel ties itself up in PC knots.

If the Pallies fire something that threatens the Israelis, the Israelis would be well advised to turn Gaza City into Dresden II. And where exactly does Gaza get its water from?

ML/NJ

[edpc]

And where exactly does Gaza get its water from?

I don't know....from Preoposition Land..?

;-)

Seriously, though....you're correct about their response. I've never been a believer in what's called a "proportional response" where small countries are concerned. In order to protect your national interests and security, overwhelming force should be used. Now, I am not saying nuke everyone that looks at you cross-eyed, but the only good thing about having power is being able to wield it when necessary. You wouldn't sucker-punch Mike Tyson (in his prime) and expect him to only smack you lightly in return.

[edpc]

Preoposition=Preposition

That didn't go as planned..........LOL

[panzer_grey]

The Sagger AT-3 (a NATO designation), is a Soviet-made anti-tank missile, first used in the 1960s. The missile can hit a target at distances between 500 meters and three kilometers, and penetrate 400mm of armor. It is a relatively slow missile, whose rate of flight does not exceed 120 meters per second, and it requires about 25 seconds from the time it is launched until its impact. I would think the modern day reactive and composite armor of today's tanks would be able to withstand the effects of a 1960s era munition. Still, it's apparent Hamas is being supplied by outside forces....likely Iran, with Egyptian complicity. For many reasons, 2007 looks to be an interesting year.........

Even with explosive reactive armor (ERA) the sides and rear of a modern tank are likely at risk from even the old systems. But more important than that, all the other vehicles, HUMVEES, jeeps, etc are at risk to the old stuff.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

High volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel, WOT

..................

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

High volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel, WOT

..................

[FreedomPoster]

"Advanced"!?

Saggers were first used in quantity, in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

They're hardly advanced. They're controlled via joystick, for cryin' out loud.

[dennisw]

If Hamas has any brains they will be getting tons of low level anti tank missiles too. And RPGs and missiles/rockets that can be fired at helicopters and airplanes. All above are great "equalizers" and great for guerrilla warfare. I have no use for Islam, but there you are!