Air Force to go into high gear during pullout Photo: Tomeriko
Air Force prepares for pullout
Senior Air Force officer describes preparations for upcoming disengagement. 'Sky will be swarming with various aircraft,' he says, and adds helicopters may land inside settlements in the event of violence, despite risk
TEL AVIV – Air Force prepares for disengagement: The Air Force is preparing for the possibility of using a helicopter inside settlements during the pullout, a senior officer said Sunday.
According to the Air Force officer, such extreme measure would be required in the event of a violent, unexpected incident that would require quick action to save lives. However, the officer noted such move would be risky and endanger both the aircraft and the crew.
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“If such situation emerges, it would be irresponsible on the part of those who caused it,” he said. “I think we shouldn’t reach this kind of situation, and therefore we need national responsibility.”
Regarding other pullout-related Air Force missions, the official said “the sky would be swarming with various types of aircraft,” including some that provide intelligence and others used for transport purposes. However, this reality is causing serious concern among Air Force officials, as the aircraft would have to operate in a relatively small area, thus increasing the likelihood of a mishap.
Preparing for escalation on northern border
On another front, the officer said that escalation of violence on the northern border, namely by the Hizbullah, would prompt the Air Force to offer a significant response, as most ground forces would be tied up with pullout-related tasks.
“There’s no doubt we can see a connection between Hamas and Hizbullah, and it’s possible that during the disengagement action by the Hamas may lead to Hizbullah action, or vice versa,” he said. “Alternately, Hizbullah may decide to act even if Hamas prefers to refrain from using terrorism. In either case, we’re ready.”
The senior officer refused to specify the measures that would be taken by the Air Force in the event of escalation on the northern front, but noted “discussions on the matter will be with the Lebanese government and not with Hizbullah. The organization acts from Lebanese territory and therefore Lebanon would have to answer for such a situation.”
The officer also directed his attention to the threat of shoulder-held missiles used by Palestinian terror groups, and said the threat to Israeli aircraft has increased recently.
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