Report: Israeli army sets up new department to help protect bases from missiles

Facing the growing missile threat, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations directorate established a new department responsible for coordinating efforts to protect army bases, local daily The Jerusalem Post reported Tuesday.

The main task of the department will be to set the standard for required levels of protection that the bases will need to meet in order to continue functioning during a war that will likely include missile attacks against them, said the report.

"We assume that the bases will be one of our enemy's first targets," a senior IDF officer was quoted as saying, adding that "Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and Iran all have the ability to fire missiles into our bases."

During the 2006 Second Lebanon War as well as last winter's Operation Cast Lead in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, Hezbollah and Hamas intentionally targeted IDF bases in northern and southern Israel, said the report.

Citing IDF sources, it said the prime targets were Israel Air Force (IAF) bases. Some of the department's recommendations have been to strengthen defense at IAF bases and other critical installations, particularly in northern Israel and along the border with Gaza.

Due to this assessment, the IAF recently purchased a unique material that can be used to seal up holes and fix bombed-out runways within a matter of minutes, said the report.

In addition, the IAF may purchase a version of the fifth-generation stealth F-35 fighter jet that is capable of short takeoff and vertical landing, which can be used even if an airstrip is bombed.

According to the senior IDF officer, in case of war with Hezbollah or Syria, the IDF would also consider redeployment and transferring the aircraft regularly deployed there to alternative bases.

Source: Xinhua