Satellite launch helps Israel keep an eye on arch-foe

ISRAEL successfully launched a new satellite yesterday, the defence ministry announced, with the device reportedly capable of spying on arch-foe Iran.

“The launching increases Israeli defensive capacities and is evidence of Israel’s technological power,” the ministry said.

The 300kg Ofek-7 (Horizon-7) satellite developed by Israel Aircraft Industries was launched on a Shavit rocket from the Palmahim base south of Tel Aviv.

“It assures a better surveillance of far-away countries, including Iran,” a military source told public radio.

Israel considers Iran its arch-foe due to repeated calls by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for the Jewish state to be wiped off the map.

In April 2006, Israel launched another satellite, the D3 Eros B1, which is also reportedly capable of spying on Iran’s nuclear activities.