Iran Tests, Gaza Fires

AMIN KHOROSHAHI/AFP/Getty Image

Iran Tests, Gaza Fires

This week Iran test-fired both its Fajr-5 and Nasreat-10 missiles.

Iran successfully tested two types of short-range missiles in military operations on March 9. Iran’s ground forces staged the three-day drill in the country’s southwestern province of Khuzestan.

The two types of missile tested were the Fajr-5 and the Nazreat-10. The Fajr-5 made headlines around the world when a number were launched in the missile barrage from Gaza into Israel in November. Their range allowed them to penetrate deep into Israel. Some went as far as the foothills of Jerusalem.

The Fajr-5 has been developed in Iran for a number of years. When they showed up in Gaza, controlled by forces that couldn’t design such a weapon themselves, questions were raised as to where they came from.

Israel continually accuses Iran of smuggling the weapons through Africa, up into the Sinai Peninsula, and then through the tunnels on the border of Egypt into Gaza. Israel has been accused of carrying out an air raid in October on a Sudanese factory that was producing weapons allegedly destined for Gaza.

Hamas forces based in Gaza readily admit they get weapons from Iran. Mahmoud Zahar, a prominent Hamas member in Gaza, told reporters on November 24 that he was confident that Iran would increase military and financial support.

The Fajr-5 is tested in Iran, and launched in Gaza. The Nazeat-10, the other missile Iran tested on Tuesday, is the Fajr-5’s big brother. While the radius of the Fajr-5 is approximately 45 miles, the Nazeat-10 can reach up to 62 miles.

During Israel’s conflict with Gaza, sirens rang in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Fajr-5 missiles landed in areas surrounding the cities. The technology for those missiles came from Iran. What happens if the technology for the Nazeat-10, or the missiles themselves, makes its way to Gaza? Will Hamas show restraint in using the longer range weapons?

In late 2008, Israel undertook Operation Cast Lead with the intent of stemming the attacks on Israel from both militants and rockets. The operation succeeded in slowing the attacks from Hamas terrorists, but failed to destroy them. They came back more powerful than ever in 2012 with the use of rockets such as the Fajr-5.

Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense took place in late 2012, as a response to rockets fired from Gaza. The surgical strikes by Israel in response hindered the terrorists, but once again failed to destroy them. What will happen in the next round?

If Hamas follows its current trend, it will be stronger in the next round of conflict. Watch Iran and its allies as they test weapons and flex their military muscle. What is developed and tested in Iran invariably finds its way to the Gaza Strip.

Watch as the Persians push further to promote their agenda in the Middle East and abroad. Read The King of the South to see how this endeavor will end.