(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Israeli military is reportedly ramping up preparations to strike Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, with many parties, including the United States, anticipating that a conflict between the two is almost inevitable.
Not only are these preparations aimed at Hezbollah, but Israel is also gearing up for potential strikes against Iran, the main supporter of the southern Lebanese militant group, who has expressed its intention to participate in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
A few days ago, the Israeli Defense Ministry reportedly conducted missile tests, the specifics of which were not disclosed.
“Israel carried out a routine test involving a rocket system from a coastal launch site within the country. The test was conducted as planned,” the ministry stated.
A ballistic missile, which carried no explosives, traveled approximately 1,800 kilometers and was reportedly detected falling into the Mediterranean Sea, east of Malta, according to the pro-Russia Telegram channel, Rybar.
Rybar, which has close ties with the Russian military, claims that with a range of 1,800 kilometers, the secretive Israeli missile could easily target any location within Iran.
Many analysts believe that this secretive missile test by Israel serves as a “warning” to Iran, which has already stated it would be involved in any conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Tehran has also declared its readiness to send troops to southern Lebanon to support Hezbollah fighters.
“Given the tensions with Lebanon and Iran’s statements about potentially joining the conflict (Israel-Lebanon), the Israeli missile test is symbolic,” Rybar noted.
Israel has an active missile development program, with the medium-range ballistic missile named “Jericho-3” being part of the latest advancements, capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads.
The Jericho-3 missile reportedly has a range of between 4,000 to 6,500 kilometers.
Many in Israel observed smoke from the missile immediately after its launch.
There is scant information about the test launch of this missile system, conducted while Israel continues its military campaigns in the Gaza Strip.
Rybar alleges that the missile test was carried out at the Palmachim Military Base, and the missile fell approximately 1,800 kilometers from its launch site.
The Palmachim base is a usual location for Israeli missile test launches.
“We looked at the data and found that several areas in the waters east of Malta had restricted usage on the same date as the missile test launch.”
“Considering its distance from Israel, the flight of the ‘Shavit’ reconnaissance aircraft, and the lack of media reports on the test, it is clear that Israel is testing something very serious,” according to Rybar. — DSA