JERUSALEM: Israel put a new version of its Ofek spy satellite into orbit on Wednesday, with the Defence Ministry saying it would enhance around-the-clock regional monitoring as the country braces for a possible showdown with Iran.
The launch, planned months in advance, was overseen by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant – a signal he was staying in office despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s announcement on Sunday that he would be fired amidst a constitutional crisis.
The Ofek-13, manufactured by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Ltd, is the latest in a series of locally produced satellites first put into orbit in 1988.
It was launched on a Shavit missile over the Mediterranean Sea, a westward trajectory Israel usually opts for as a precaution against sensitive technology falling into the hands of hostile Middle East neighbours should there be a malfunction.
“We will continue to prove that even the sky isn’t the limit for the Israeli defence establishment,” said a statement by Gallant, who on Saturday broke ranks with Netanyahu by calling for a halt to a bitterly contested judicial overhaul plan.
The next day, Netanyahu announced Gallant’s dismissal – triggering a surge of anti-government protests and stoking U.S. concern for Israel’s democratic health and military readiness.
IAI CEO Boaz Levy said the Ofek-13 is “the most advanced of its kind, with unique radar observation capabilities, and will enable intelligence collection in any weather and conditions of visibility”.
The launch, planned months in advance, was overseen by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant – a signal he was staying in office despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s announcement on Sunday that he would be fired amidst a constitutional crisis.
The Ofek-13, manufactured by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Ltd, is the latest in a series of locally produced satellites first put into orbit in 1988.
It was launched on a Shavit missile over the Mediterranean Sea, a westward trajectory Israel usually opts for as a precaution against sensitive technology falling into the hands of hostile Middle East neighbours should there be a malfunction.
“We will continue to prove that even the sky isn’t the limit for the Israeli defence establishment,” said a statement by Gallant, who on Saturday broke ranks with Netanyahu by calling for a halt to a bitterly contested judicial overhaul plan.
The next day, Netanyahu announced Gallant’s dismissal – triggering a surge of anti-government protests and stoking U.S. concern for Israel’s democratic health and military readiness.
IAI CEO Boaz Levy said the Ofek-13 is “the most advanced of its kind, with unique radar observation capabilities, and will enable intelligence collection in any weather and conditions of visibility”.