Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Israel deploys drones over offshore gas fields

The "Heron" drone is pictured at the Palmahim Airbase in central Israel
[AFP/File Menahem Kahana]


Ma'an, AFP – Israel has deployed drones to keep watch on gas fields off its northern coast, fearing attack by the Hezbollah militia from neighboring Lebanon, the Jerusalem Post daily reported on Tuesday.

The fields lie in a part of the Mediterranean that is claimed by Israel for gas exploration and production, but Lebanon says the fields lie within its territorial waters.

"The decision to deploy drones was made in order to maintain a 24-hour presence over the site," the paper said, adding that the air fo