Navy Chief Warns Of Egyptian Threat From The Sea

Haaretz ^ | 10-17-01 | Amos Harel

[Ymani Cricket]

by Amos Harel

The build-up of Egyptian naval forces is a cause for concern, the commander-in-chief of the Israel Navy, Major General Yedidia Ya'ari, said yesterday. Only yesterday, Ha'aretz published a report about Israel's attempts to prevent a large U.S.-Egyptian arms deal, with the Americans planning to sell Egypt advanced Harpoon missiles, which are fired from a sea vessel and also have the capability of hitting land targets with great precision.

The balance of naval power in the Middle East "has changed over the past 20 years, since the Yom Kippur War, and has changed primarily because of the strengthening of the Egyptian navy with American weapons," Ya'ari told a press conference to mark Navy Day. "We are worried about this."

Commenting that "some of the deals could change the balance of power in the arena," the naval commander said: "This is why we are expressing our concern. What will the Americans do about this in the long run? We don't know."

At the same time, Ya'ari noted that Israel's navy had vastly improved its operational level over the past few years.

Despite the peace treaty with Egypt, the Israel Defense Forces views the Egyptian arms build-up, particularly in the navy, with apprehension. A few weeks ago, the Defense Ministry sent a memo to the U.S. State Department, warning that advanced arms sales to Egypt could put an end to Israel's cutting edge.

The Harpoon missiles on offer to the Egyptians were recently developed at Boeing and are an improvement on the sea-to-sea Harpoons that the Israel Navy also has in its arsenal. Israeli military sources have described the new Harpoon as "a Tomahawk [the American cruise missile] for the poor," saying that the missile, with a range of some 175 kilometers, will vastly improve Egypt's striking capabilities.

The Harpoon's principal advantage, in relation to the earlier version of the missile, lies in is its navigational capabilities. Its satellite navigation system provides accurate targeting on land as well as at sea. The missile can be fired from boats and from submarines, and there is also a version of the Harpoon is fired from airplanes.

According to official Boeing publications, the new Harpoon can strike both land targets and vessels in a port with great precision. Its ability to strike at vessels at see has also been improved, the publications say.

[Ymani Cricket]

ping

[Straight Vermonter]

How in the world can we be considering an arms deal with Egypt now! They have not even given lip service support to our war on terror. The Islamic madmen will probably take over the country within 10 years or so and they will have a modern well armed navy.

[AppyPappy]

Kumbaya. Just have faith in Secretary of State Rodney King

[Flint]

I recall our President saying something like:

Some who support us will do it openly and some we will ask to help us in other ways that won't be so public.

I don't remember the exact words but the idea being that things will go on behind the scenes that the Arab world that will never be known.

[American in Israel]

Modern Harpoons in the hands of Islamics will cause the end of our ability to bring a carrier force into the tight confines of that sea. NOT a good idea. 175k range will give Egypt the ability to hit every Israeli city in a first strike, Israel is only 65 k wide! Living here in Jerusalem I sure don't relish that in the hands of Egypt, since less than a year ago they were printing in Egyptian Newspapers, (state controled) that a missile first strike on Israels citys was the only way to destroy Israel.

Why is America giving the Arabs everything on their Kill Israel wish list?

[TKEman]

Commenting that "some of the deals could change the balance of power in the arena," the naval commander said: "This is why we are expressing our concern. What will the Americans do about this in the long run? We don't know."

I'm growing increasingly concerned about our selling weapons to these Moslem nations. I think we need to cool it in this regard, until we can see which side these guys are on. The way things are in Saudi Arabia these days, I think it's wisest to hold off on any more arms shipments and deals until we can see which way the Moslems are going.

[Ymani Cricket]

Living here in Jerusalem I sure don't relish that in the hands of Egypt, since less than a year ago they were printing in Egyptian Newspapers, (state controled) that a missile first strike on Israels citys was the only way to destroy Israel.

I seem to remember a scud missle attack by Iraq during the Gulf War in which Israel patiently turned the other cheeck. Wonder if people remember Egypt attacking Israel not so long ago...? (Sinai peninsula deal)