JERUSALEM — Israel's military has been forced into court to justify
its sonic boom policy over the Gaza Strip.
Israeli military representatives have defended the use of fighter-jets
to create sonic booms over the Gaza Strip. The representatives said the
sonic booms — caused by an aircraft breaking the sound barrier — was meant
to disorient Palestinian missile and mortar gunners who aim to attack
Israel.
The military's policy — also used in Lebanon in the 1990s, has been
challenged by the Mental Health Center in Gaza, Middle East Newsline reported. The center, supported by
another group, Physicians for Human Rights, said the sonic booms harm
civilians, particularly children.
A brief submitted by Gaza psychiatrist Iyad Saraj said sonic booms
produces "fears, nightmares and physical harm" in children. Saraj also cited
headaches and weakness among Gazans.
"The military activity to stop and interfere with the firing of Kassam
rockets and mortar shells towards Israel is done via various means," the
military said in a brief to the High Court said. "Among the options at
the IDF's disposal is that of flying Israel Air Force planes in the air
space over the launching areas. This is designed to disrupt the activities
of the
terrorists by causing the terrorists planning to fire rockets or bombs a
fear that they will be identified and attacked in real-time while or
immediately after they prepare the launch."
The military said sonic booms represented a non-lethal tactic against
Palestinian insurgents. The brief said such activity has been used by other
countries.
The sonic booms have also elicited complaints from Israeli communities
near the Gaza Strip. But the Israelis didn't join the suit.