Hamas inflates recon balloons with Israeli helium to spy . . . on Israel

Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel has determined that Hamas was operating
reconnaissance balloons to look deep into the Jewish state.

The Israeli military has spotted at least two Hamas balloons operating
near the border with Israel.

Photo of what is said to be a Hamas recon balloon.
Photo of what is said to be a Hamas recon balloon.

Officials said the Army’s Southern Command has
warned that the balloons represented a new intelligence capability of the Islamic regime in the Gaza Strip.

“We are seeing a significant effort by Hamas to bolster intelligence capabilities,” Col. Amos HaCohen said.

HaCohen, commander of the Gaza Division, said Hamas was launching helium balloons equipped with cameras to spy on Israel. The officer also said Hamas fitted cameras on to towers, including a water tower next to the
Mediterranean Sea.

“That camera [on the water tower] was destroyed by a main battle tank,” HaCohen said.

The Israeli website Walla quoted officials as saying that the
reconnaissance assets marked Hamas preparations for the next war against
Israel. The officials said Hamas established reconnaissance platforms along
the entire Israeli frontier.

Officials acknowledged that the helium used to launch the balloons was
supplied by Israel. They said Israel responded to a Hamas request for helium
earlier in 2013.

“They are not standing still,” HaCohen said. “They have systematic and
constant [intelligence] collection.”

You must be logged in to post a comment Login