America Will Install Missile Warning System in Israel

New radar system will detect missiles as far as 1200 miles out. American troops will be stationed permanently in Israel for the first time.

The USA wants to install a radar system in the Negev desert which could detect possible missile attacks from Iran more quickly than is now possible. Both sides reached agreement which will include the permanent stationing of American troops in Israel for the first time. The story was reported by the daily Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Sunday and quoted high-ranking Israeli and U.S. military officials. The radar system is to be ready for action no later than spring of 2009. An Israeli Army spokesperson acknowledged the newspaper report was known to exist, but she declined to comment on it.

According to reports, the new early warning system will enable Israel to detect incoming missiles as far away as 1200 miles as compared to the current system’s 540 miles. It will be especially valuable in case of a possible attack by Iran, because it will provide “valuable minutes” in which to prepare defenses. Iran, considered Israel’s greatest strategic threat, is about 930 miles from Israel.

The internet site www.defensenews.com which belongs to the U.S. Army Times newspaper group had reported the plans as early as August 7th. According to Missile Defense Agency (MDA) director General Henry Obering, the system will be able to detect the launch of Kassam missiles from the Gaza Strip, Katusha rockets from Lebanon, medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and other airborne attacks. The program will be financed and maintained jointly by Israel and the United States. The radar reconnaissance will be of benefit not only to Israel’s defenses, but to the United States as well.

Also, according to Haaretz, the U.S. government warned Israel on Wednesday against launching any military attack against Iran while simultaneously turning down Israel’s request for weaponry that could be used for an attack against Iranian nuclear facilities.

Due to objections from the Iraqi government, according to the report, the United States will also not allow Israeli aircraft to use Iraqi airspace. If Israel decides to unilaterally attack Iran despite these warnings, the US government has asked to be so informed.