It’s clear now that the Bush Administration won’t give the green light for Israel to attack Iranian nuclear facilities (I think that might be the one thing Bush and myself agree on).
But what we have done is provide kick-ass military equipment.
After several months of teetering back and forth about what weapons to provide Israel, the United States overwhelmingly decided to allow Israel use of the X-band radar system. It’s not run-of-the-mill radar by any means.
The x-band can “track an object the size of a baseball from 4,700 kilometers away” essentially protecting Israel from an Iranian missile attack:
It would allow Israel’s Arrow missile to engage a Shahab-3 ballistic missile about halfway through what would be a 11-minute flight from Iran, or six times sooner than Israel’s “Green Pine” radar can.
The decision to deploy the radar in Israel was finalized during Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s recent visit to the US.
The radar, according to the magazine, will be linked to the US Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS), which receives and processes threat data transmitted by US Defense Support System satellites.
The ever amusing DEBKAfile reported yesterday that the U.S. Air Force delivered the equipment and American military personel on a C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III (that translates to ginormous airplanes).
DEBKAfiles’ ever elusive “military source” who’s identity is never, ever named:
Commenting on the FBX radar deployment, a Pentagon source said: First, we want to put Iran on notice that we’re bolstering our capabilities throughout the region, and especially in Israel. But just as important, we’re telling the Israelis, ‘Calm down; behave. We’re doing all we can to stand by you and strengthen defenses.’”
Right. I’m sure Israel LOVES that you’re insinuating that they’re children who needs babysitting.
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essentially protecting Israel from an Iranian missile attack
That might be a stretch. More like an few extra minutes to say Shema with kavanah. I’d feel better knowing we had a president incoming who the Iranians feared; my gut tells me Obama will have to earn their respect. Whether “the One” is capable of this is another matter.
I suspect the Iranians won’t care if McCain or Obama are elected President. They seem to march to their own drummer as is… what difference will any new President make?
And I should adjust my post to say, “BETTER protecting Israel from an Iranian missile attack”. No technology is 100%. You’re correct.
So, does this mean no more threat for Golan Heights? Face one Northward and no more worrying about pesky militants hiding in the mass populace.
That way there could be less bunker busters destroying a town which used to be big and booming… get the pun? That was some serious destruction last time in Beirut.
I like to think of it as a familial relationship like kin, cousins or a feisty little brother (as opposed to parents or babysitters). We give them new toys and aid…
Also have never heard of a Globemaster… but it sounds big.