Israel Matzav

Hamas proxy claims to be able to hit Ashdod

The 'People's Resistance Committee,' the Hamas proxy that kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in June 2006, claims to have used the 'truce' to develop a rocket with the capability to hit Ashdod and other points up to 25 kilometers from the Gaza Strip. Ashdod is the home of Israel's second largest port and has a population of 200,000 (compare with Ashkelon's - which has already been hit - 120,000). They call the rocket the "Nasser-4."

The group said that it would launch the new rockets at Israel if Israel attempted to reoccupy Gaza.

"We have been under siege for the last two years," said Ibrahim Dahman, a senior PRC activist told CNN. "The only thing left is for them to invade and kill us."

And the Olmert-Barak-Livni-Yishai government has reacted in its usual style - gnashing its teeth and grinding its knuckles in frustration.

The unveiling of the new rockets are a "clear violation" of the truce with Israel, Prime Minister's Office spokesman Mark Regev told CNN.

"The cease-fire that was negotiated through Egypt was very specific that the Hamas movement and the other terrorist groups can't use it as a period to import more weapons, more explosives, more rockets into the Gaza Strip," Regev added.

He said that Israel reserves "the right to act, if need be, to protect ourselves. We don't want this current quiet just to be the quiet before the storm."

Ehud, it sure was nice having a quiet summer, wasn't it? Haaretz adds:

The group said the improved rocket can travel up to 26 kilometers, double the range of the previous version.

The group showed the rocket to journalists from CNN and other agencies, whom they blindfolded before the display to keep their location mum.

Militants also showed off a training ground where they said preparations were in the works ahead of what they termed Israel's imminent incursion into Gaza.

"We have been under siege for the last two years," militant Ibrahim Dahman told CNN. "The only thing left is for them to invade and kill us."

According to CNN, the group gave journalists a tour of its rocket factory and training grounds in a PR maneuver to give Israel a peek at is apparent strengthening.

Here's a video of CNN's report on this interview. Let's go to the videotape.



More on this 'surreal' experience from CNN here and here. How's that 'truce' again Ehud?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:14 PM