Report: France to send Lebanon 100 anti-tank missiles
A French official tells AFP news agency that France will transfer the arms to Lebanon by the end of February, without preconditions.
By Haaretz Service Tags: Israel news France Lebanon Saad HaririLebanon will receive 100 anti-tank missiles from France, AFP news agency reported on Friday, quoting a French official.
 |
French Prime Francois Fillon, right, greets his Lebanese counterpart Saad Hariri prior to their meeting at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, Thursday Dec. 2, 2010. |
| Photo by: AP |
The French official told the news agency that Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri was informed in a letter by French Premier Francois Fillon about the decision to supply Lebanon's army with 100 anti-tank missiles, to be used by Lebanon's Gazelle helicopters.
According to the official, the missiles are to be delivered to Lebanon by the end of February, and France will provide the missiles to Lebanon without any preconditions.
The United States House of Representatives expressed in August its disapproval of the deal, claiming the missiles might be used against Israel, due to the rising influence of Shiite militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In August, an Israel Defense Forces reserve battalion commander was killed in fatal clashes between Israel and the Lebanese army along the border. Following the incident Israel launched a diplomatic campaign calling on the United States and France to stop their military assistance to Lebanon. The U.S. responded by withholding from Lebanon $100 million of military aid.
However, last month the U.S. renewed its military aid to Lebanon, after the Lebanese army had made a commitment to keep track of developments on the border and to prevent funds from reaching Hezbollah.
The United States has given Lebanon approximately $400 million over the past year to purchase arms, despite Israel's objections. France has also sent a great deal of weaponry to Lebanon, including advanced anti-tank missiles.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
france has not had the slightest influence on the assad regime--this despite sarkozy's open courting of assad for four years. one can only assume that sarkozy does not care about regional stability. the anit-tank missiles will on no way help lebanon rid itself of the curse of hezbollah. such transfer will only further endanger israel.
Ships in and out of Lebanon ! Israel should warn France that French ships will be stopped and boarded for inspection.
I think you overrate your army's capacity too much.Thank God you're no adviser to the IDF..
Ignorance seems to be some folk's forte
Does the French $100M deal for purely defensive capability cancel out the $Billions of US Tax dollars that have gone to Israel in the form of offensive military equipment??? I dont think so.
First he sells reactors to Qaddaffi, now he sells advanced anti tank weapons to Lebanon, knowing full well that they will be used by Hezbollah, and that Hezbollah is ALREADY INTEGRATED with the Lebanese Army, and that they have been cooperating since 2006 or before. Sarkozy is continuing the WEASEL policy of his predecessors Villepin and Jacques Chirac. The official policy of France has been to arm the most dangerous and rabidly insane Arab governments, no matter what, and that has been their policy since 1967. Every French government left or right, has one official policy which is to throw gasoline on the fire in the Middle East and make a bad situation much worse if it will profit France in the short run. In the long run radioactive clouds may blot out the sun in France but Sarkozy and his lackeys can't think that far ahead.
especially after Mossad agents dragged fake rocks full of spy devices in your stronghold without being spotted by your own divine murderers of Lebanese people and their politicians.
Just don't drive your Merkavas around Lebanon and you should be safe.
And less possibilities for Israel to embark on wild campaigns.
It will be just another sunny day in Israel.
They always choose the losing side.
It is time to stand against Israeli state.
Israel has chosen to both deny and censor the real consequence of the French action. The number of missiles and the system they would be deployed upon indicate that his is nothing but a symbolic action. What requires the censorship of Israeli is the FACT that this indicates that France is no longer going to subject Lebanon, or it's foreign policy to the control of Israel. Israel will no longer be able to demand France will not provide weapons to Lebanon that Israel demands not be provided to the government of Lebanon. The entire rest of he World, Including Syria and Iran, want to avoid the destabilization of Lebanon now. ONLY Israel wants to see Lebanon descend into a civil war which would justify an Israeli invasion. Get the point Israel. Do not invade Lebanon just because Neaanyahu wants you to do so. The world - the ENTIRE WORLD - does not want israel to start a war with Lebanon. ONLY Israel wants to start a war right now. Do so Israel, no matter how much your Leader Netanyahu wants to - unless you are willing to be condemned by the entire world.
I'd be inclined to egg them on. Let's get this over with.
Yeh, Right, the evil Israelis. How about starting to look in to your own societies, and fix what need to be fixed? Is it Israel who murder Hariri?! Is it Israel who threaten the Christian Marunis? If you were really a good friend of the Lebanese people you would demand Justice and Social cohesion in a real Independent Lebanon, without the influence of any super powers, and especially without the influence of dictatorships as Syria and Iran. But the sad true is that you, as so many other self righteous people, couldn't care less about the welfare of the Lebanese people, you only look for reason to bash Israel.
I have today dispatched 100 cans of underarm deodorant to France. Hopefully, someone there will use it without preconditions.
The weapons have to fall in the right hands. Let the Lebanese take out the Hizbolah trash. Later, Israel might have to step in to assist. I really think Lebanon owes it to the world that they clean up the mess that they started by giving Hezbolah "Carte Blance" to do what they want. Look at the current mess! Its rediculous. Hold Lebanon accountable for their stupid mistakes. If Lebanon continues to give Hizbolah a safe haven, then Israel should turn Lebanon into a parking lot. Full stop.
clueless
Hezbollah doesn't have any tanks. They can't be the intended targets.
Just destroy all air bases, and anything that takes to the air near Merkavas.Simples :-))
Why would the Lebanese need them?
whats the matter? scared of a little retaliation, lebanon needs all it can get, especially when israel has so much much more, i thought the israeli military was the best, so why cry about all this?.
France does it again, pretending to be pro-west then supporting the wrong people. Perhaps since the US is also giving the LDF money, the French can give missiles. Sarkozy must be suffering from Degaulle syndrome...
Sarkozy should be ashamed of himself!! Israel needs to send about 1,000 roma ( gypsies) there for a thank you .
so they can fight the police -- with no pre-conditions
dreams only
Lebanon doesn't border on Turkey.
Anti tank missiles are only relevant when it's assumed that Israeli tanks would have a reason to enter into Lebanon. Israel has learned many lessons in the past 20 years when it comes to warfare with it's neighbors. There is no need to put tanks in an offensive stance in Lebanon anymore, if Hezbolla should even sneeze the wrong way at the Israeli boarder, I'd like to see how effective these anti tank missiles would be against 200 Israeli drones flying 3 miles above the ground turning all of Lebanon into hell on earth. Anti tank missiles? ooooh so scary, maybe 10 years ago, Israel's enemies are always at least a decade behind, this news makes me worried for Israel, it makes me worried for Lebanese who actually believe this makes them stronger...
if Israel has to respond to threat from Lebanon it will knock out most 'Gazelles' in short time so they of course wont be able to fire their new French missiles. Israel intelligence knows were these 'copters are stationed. and next incursion into Lebanon will be manned and robot aircraft, not tanks. waste of money by Lebanon. better to be spent on job creation.
The french weaponry will be useless against the powerful, technologicaly advanced and highly trained israeli army. The most powerful army of the region will obliterate the poor little lebanese army before they could even deploy their weapons. So, What is all this ranting about? They could even transfer the whole french army, put it along the border on red alert and the result would be the same.
Israel cannot, forever, continue its aggressiveness. It is used to fighting inferior armies or insurgents. One day, it will pick on somebody bigger and better prepared and then it will find out that it is not the best army in the world. It is a pity, because many innocent lives will be lost in the process. If Israel would accept the Arab Peace Initiative, this rancor could end tomorrow. Apparently, land is too important to them.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9731d_4407&o=1
None of the arab forces can compare to the Israeli's ability in war. None.
Countermeasures Countermeasures against ATGMs include spaced, perforated, and composite armour, explosive reactive armour, jammers like the Russian Shtora, and active protection systems (APS) like the Israeli Trophy and the Russian Arena. Traditionally, before "fire-and-forget" ATGMs were used, the most effective countermeasure was to open fire at the location where the missile was fired from: either the operator would be forced to take cover or he would be killed.[1][2] looks like the french picked up something that is harmless to the israelis.
If it makes Israel think twice about going to war against Lebanon again, it is a welcomed gesture.
I thought the french gov't was much smarter than that. They should know that the weapons will be transferred into the hands of the Hezy Islamists as soon as they enter the country. Hezy will use them in their coup in Lebanon soon to take place and of course against Israel after Hezy launches their new jihad to continue Hitler's fight. Guess the french were too worried about public opinion in the areas were Islamists dominate, so they sacrificed common sense and more future jewish blood on the islamist altar. Tant pis pour nous!
Lebanos shoud ask for S-300 and American tax payers will finance the deal.
And the Lebanese Army to give them to Hezbulla. France is making a big mistake, it is abvious that Hezbulla is hungry to take control of the country and use anything available to fight Israel.
so the next civil war will be more devastating than the first one.
OK, fine. Israel, continue building settlements and take back large chunks of the West Bank as needed, all of it if necessary! The United States and France can no longer be relied upon to help the peace process. If they want to arm Israel's enemies, Israel has no obligation whatsoever to bend at the knees to move the peace process forward.
those 100 are mounted on helicopters just like hellfire missiles for gazille french made copters the army is getting russian copters two
So those missiles will not be used against Israeli tanks. Check out the Wikileaks cables about the Lebanese defense minister and the president.
Lebanon better start training in their Gazelles soon but more likely they'll need to use the missiles against Hezbollah itself who is getting ready to take over the Government's APCs and tanks as part of a coup.
against Israel unless Israel invades Lebanon again.
anyone who is Cheering that Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East are finally getting advanced weapons to match Israel's and that Israel will no be defeated, are showing that they know nothing about the Middle East, or basic military principles. First of all, in the wars of 1956,67 and 73, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, all had the most advanced weapons from the soviet union, and these weapons were just as advanced as the weapons the west had, which were given to Israel. Second of all, even if you have the greatest weapons ever made it wouldnt fix the problem of being a bad fighter. That was the arab's problems, they couldnt fight well in a modern fashion, and no offense but they still probably could not.
Now what about a few submarines?
Israel's favorite punching bag is going to be a bit tougher to pummel.
It was thought then that the Lebanese army had to be strengthened????? It depends on whether the Lebanese army can survive as the only bearer of arms and Hezbollah ends as an armed state within a state and/or integrates into the regular Lebanese army. The Lebanese army would then be the only one to have arms and the legitimate army in Lebanon, while Hezbollah is a militia or state within a state now, and a dangerous one at that. A legitimate state would think twice about attacking Israel, but a state within a state went to war with Israel and is dangerous if allowed to do so.
if there is an all out war between lebanon and israel, lebanon will never remember that he has an antitank.
I am a little confused. Are these weapons for the Lebanese to use against Hezballah or do they want to use these to cause Israelis harm if the Israelis have to come in to address Hezballah and prevent possible future attacks? Could someone with some more knowledge and not just opinions help me out on this,please?
So why the whinging?
Wow! showing again France sucks
Bin Laden? Leave it to the French.
Lebanon needs all the defense equipment it can get... Lebanon's rivers must be looking further away than ever for Israel. : )
must become an union like the EU with powerhouses like Turkey, Iran, Emirates,Saudi Arabia, Israel-Libanon-Syria-Egypt and be a positive force in the interest af the whole world.
Even from Israel. Especially from Israel. Good for the French.
...by jumping into bed with the devil - iran/hezbollah. iran/hezbollah are driving lebanon towards a war that will totally obliterate the failed secular experiment that lebanon was meant to be...following which, lebanon will will be just another province of syria under israeli defensive occupation.
So unless the Israelis have some special anti HOT defenses, you wouldn't want to be in a tank going into Lebanon after February. The best solution is therefore not to go into Lebanon in a tank, or any other military device, come to that. Just as well.
So, we should thank France for giving us two months notice to take preemptive action in Lebanon, relieving them of the need for these missiles. A non-existant military/gov't can't receive weapons.
israel with its military might will never have peace.
Lebanon used to live in peace before 1947.
Israels refusal to make peace will certainly cost it dearly in the next go around, Netanyahu dragging his feet claiming he wants peace is a big lie and the world sees through his belligerence, especially the Palestinian leadership.
...And in peace it would have continued to live, if it didn't choose to join its Arab fellow aggressors and attack the newborn State of Israel.
with arrival of Arafat and PLO in 1970s and again in 2006 after Hezbollah attack on Israel.We know that Tony.
your facts are way off mate!
WELL THE NEXT TIME FRANCE GETS TAKEN OVER .LETS JUST LEAVE THEM .IGNORANT FOOLS
When was the last time? Using capital letters only accentuates your foolishness.
Can you explain who "let's" is?
Most of their Wine and Cheese wasn't Kosher anyway.
Peace could have been had long ago but Israel has failed miserably. Israels illegal occupation and illegal building in Arab lands, theft of Palestinian lands and the continued control of the lives of the Palestinian people by Israel must stop.
France should have ignored Israel when it wanted nuclear weapons
As a US citizen I must say this is absolutely absurd and unacceptable. Israel must stop France from such destructive behaviors and decisions and the US must help before its too late. The French should know better...much better.
Firstly - being a US citizen has nothing to do with it, it doesn't make your opinion any more or less important. Secondly - France is perfectly within it's rights, and it's not like it's funnelling weapons to a terrorist organisation hellbent on death and destruction, but to a soverign government that has about as much clout as a used teabag.
As a US citizen, I applaud France's decision. I think it is totally arrogant of Israel to think they are the only ones the USA should give weapons to. This helps the balance a little if Israel tries to do something stupid, like they are known to do. If anything it will hopefully be a deterrent to Israel. After all, Israel has nuclear weapons and is arrogant enough to scream about Iran getting them. Israel wants to be the bully on the block and everyone else to live in fear of them. Sorry, the tide has turned.
Do you know or can you even hazard a guess how many times the world has heard the same crap spilling from the mouth of an American, 'unacceptable' indeed. And what exactly do you think an entity the size of New Jersey is going to do to France Jeremy? Whilst there is indeed a surfeit of idiots in Israel at the moment do you suppose they are stupid enough to actually threaten France, grow up sunshine its one hundred poxie anti tank weapons not nukes.
I do believe that anti-tank weapons are defensive.....against invading tanks. Good for the French. Now maybe the US will follow. Anyway, Israel has lost it against the EU, and soon will have NO friends. Green Line, unconditional.
All who think like you are enabling Israel to continue it's belligerent actions towards Palestinians and it's neighbors will never bring peace to the region.
"and it's not like it's funnelling weapons to a terrorist organisation hellbent on death and destruction, but to a soverign government" Helloooo? Isn't Hezbollah part of Lebanese government's coalition or have I missed something?
I am french, when did this happen? we'll deal with terrorists if they act on our soil my dear. radical islam is relatively new in Europe. most muslims in France are from North Africa, I would'nt call them radical at all but they have been subjected to terrorism from ME, salafists have a long arm. we have inherited the problems from ME, as sad as it is but it is not a major issue in our lives nor do we feel threathened. terrorism has become a world issue. don't be too paranoid though, we don't live in bunkers:-)
you must think that we are all ignorant about the situation in france.
This is a clear signal to Israel: the West is getting started to chose for the right side. Some European countries will soon recognise Palestine too. In the mean time the Nethanyahu cabinet can start howling about this gift of peace to Lebanon.
Lebanon is not the problem, it's Hezbollah, but you know that don't you?
This article is vague - does not report the model of missile though in other websites its said to be the HOT misslie, and if so which model of it, ther eare 3 variants with the HOT-3 being the best in that it has the ability to prematurely detonate reactive armor.
Egypt can defend itself and as a result, it also is able to prevent unsanctioned attacks being launched from its own soil. Jordan, too, can defend itself and can prevent unsanctioned attacks being launched from its soil. The same is true of Syria and Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The only countries that cannot prevent attacks from being launched fro their own soil are Lebanon and Palestine. Neither has the capacity to defend itself and neither has full control of its own territory. As each gets stronger militarily, each will be not only better able to defend its sovereignty, but also will be better able to prevent unsanctioned attacks from being launched from their own soil. The policy of preventing a government from being able to defend itself and its citizens if stupid.
Too bad the Israeli government's not bright enough to figure this out - or then again, maybe it's fully aware of it, but prefers the territory afforded by the illegal occupations it maintains to ummm...ahem...defend itself from these unsanctioned attacks.
As one who lives on a kibbutz 20 km from the border with Lebanon I would like top know how the supply of anti-tank missiles "will be better able to prevent unsanctioned attacks from being launched from their own soil". Especially when there is a possibility of a (worst-case scenario) possibility of a Hizbollah coup de etat.
what a crock pf crap. Lebanon shouldn't be anybody's playground, the Lebanese people have had enough...
sovereign state of Lebanon http://wp.me/pDB7k-uD
A country's strength is frequently a matter of perception in addition to raw weapons power. Israel's deterrence power is based on its ability and demonstrated willingness to ignore all laws of armed conflict - witness Lebanon 2 and Cast Lead use of weapons against civilian populations. Lebanon is perceived by many within and without its borders as weak and unable to defend itself. Militias alternate to the Lebanese Army thrive, therefore. Countries without this handicap do not have lots of competing militias. Even pacifist countries have strong militaries and can defend their borders.
hard to shoot a tank from a helicopter if the helicopter can't operate above the battle zone. Israeli air superiority is absolute over Lebanon - ask the Syrians. These are far more likely to be used against Hezbollah than Israel.
Cheers France, and good Shabbas
The IAF will first take out the LAF helicopters and THEN finish what is left of "Lebanon" that Hezbollah and Hariri jr have not already destroyed
Do not under estimate our Cessna. We modified the engine to go 90mph vs. the traditional 87mph. Give a few years and we will break the 100m barrier. But I do agree on the usage .......
Giora Eilande a former adviser to the Israeli national security, said Thursday that "Israel" can not defeat Hezbollah in direct confrontation and that Hezbollah would do serious damage to the Israeli home front in the case of the outbreak of war
and lebenon has more hills than any other
The IDF tried to punch up the Baaka Valley in 1982 and Syrian Gazelle helicopters were very active and very effective, regardless of the IDF's total command of the skies. Supersonic fighter jets just aren't very effective at tree-top level....
I agree. The Gazelle is a slow helicopter that can easily be shot down with stinger missiles. The stinger will hit them before they even get a chance to see an israeli tank. I don't think Lebanon plans on using this against Israel, however chances are it will get into Hezbollah hands. Either way, they would have to send a barrage of kamikaze pilots in order to hit anything worth while in Israel. I just hope that they don't find a way to use these on UAVs.
The HOT 3 maybe the best anti-tank missile right now but still only a defensive weapon against tanks. For Lebanon to stand a change against Israel it would need a good anti-air defense system like the S-300/400 or newer mobile passive radar system in testing now.
France is practicing their fine tradition of backstabbing and capitulating, in preparation for European Sharia. Israel will be forced to use a more destructive approach in its next Lebanon War. The last one proved that Armor should not be so misused.
But combat helicopters are. IAF AH64 Apaches can easily be fitted with Sidewinder missiles, and AH64 Apache is universally recognized to be a far better helo than the Gazelle.
Hezballah? Israel? Syria? Among themselves? To hand over to Hezballah? Or directly to Iran? It's sickening.
Whoever's
Errrrrr..... people sitting in tanks?
the Lebanese army is aiding hezzbollah and providing it with intelligence in addition to working with hezzbollah and ignores their responsibility to disarm the fundamentalist militia. France should be ashamed. anti-tank missiles as their reward for not disarming hezzbollah and working instead with them against Israel? Intolerable.
ONE HUNDRED ANTI TANK MISSILES
he he he he
they can knock out 100 tanks
That the French have not won a war since Napolean's first crusade. Obvious that their war knowledge has not improved any
in any serious war in the future. i can only wish the same for you. you're wrong, our war knowledge is good enough to try to avoid them. that's the whole strategy Arie:-)
in any serious war in the future. i can only wish the same for you. you're wrong, our war knowledge is good enough to try to avoid them. that's the whole strategy Arie:-) if conflicts can be avoided, thus victims, why do that? we have our past and blood on our ancestor hands. today is another time where I hope people can learn to sort out their differences in a different manner than killing. if we can't, well you do what needs to be done as sad as it is.
Lebanon needs modern arms in order to make Israel think twice before undertaking their frequent invasions.
Like when Lebanon was going through a civil war caused by the Palestinians and it was going to spill over into Israel? Or was it when Hezbollah kidnapped israeli soldiers -IN ISRAELI TERRITORY
The best of all weapons though is......PEACE !
Well done warmongers!
Mmmmmm...check it and see!
You always talk about something else, that don't have anything do with the subject, But you seem to like think only Israel can have weapons to defend it self. So i will wait for you to start a petition that will scrap Sweden's army. Shalom
is demonstrating a distinct lack of consideration for his former brethren.
Not sure everyone knows what you mean when you say Sarkozy is an ex Sayan - thanks.
but this is business and besides there are no valid reasons not to sell any of those to Lebanon.
Jimmy you'd have better luck if you look for the plural, sayanim...
Another dumb move indeed. But the French as you know will sell anything for money, morals be damned.
The government which constantly threatens Lebanon, or the government which has decided that Lebanon should have the means to defend itself against both Hisbollah and Israel?
She changed her nickname because of this Esther ...
France has always had a soft spot for Lebanon. Beruit was once called the "Paris of the mideast". The good news is that Israels credibility is nil, and Israels attempts to paint themselves as the constant victim no longer is working. In fact, many of Israels tired old tricks now only bring frowns. At some point, Israel will have to evacuate the Golan and the west bank. Only after this is done, can Israel begin the tough process of becoming a normal nation without all sorts of special priveleges and considerations.
You forgot, just thought I'd help...lol.
with anyone if it serves its interests. no country ideally should have ennemis an keep diplomatic relations even if difficult. the current government is more favorable to Israel than the previous ones, it true but I would explain this by teh fact that Sarkozy is more pro-US than our previous presidents. relations with Lebanon are more than political ou diiplomatic as you say quite righlty. we have a real connection culturally speaking to this country, a friendship. Israel will be maybe in teh situation one day but it is unlikely to happen if colonisation is going on. that's not acceptable for many people. our country colonised other in teh past and the pain and suffereing is still there. people have to learn their lessons and not reproduce past mistakes.
Israel does not have to evacuate the Golan or the West Bank. Lebanon and Syria can arm themselves to the teeth...just as long as they do not attack and Israel does not attack them. India and Pakistan are well armed adversaries. They keep civil to one another. This can be the same for Israel and her neighbors.
What a load of BS you write...
Do you know anything about any subject at all?
Do you think it's easy to be the friend of Israel??
who needs enemies anyhow? i can miss then as toothache!
This can only be seen as a demarche in response to the failure of the peace negotiations and continuation of settlement building in Israel. Israel's standing and security in the world will only continue to worsen.
going on since 1953 US standing and security in the world is only going to worsen
This can only be seen as a demarche in response to the volcano eruption in Indonesia and continuation of milk carton selling in corner stores. Tinkerbell's standing in the world will only continues to worsen.
Anti-tank missies are short-range and can only be a problem to Israel if it attacks Lebanon.
And that says what? Tough to decipher that one is.
ALL previous clashes between Israel and Lebanon were initiated by attacks on Israel from Lebanon. Lebanon has by it's own choice remained officially in a state of war with its southern neighbour since 1948. Lebanon is not a democracy: the Islamofascist group Hezbollah sets the agenda and kills its fellow Lebanese when they resist. Adding more weapons to this situation is insane.
Lebanon, a state on the verge of a civil war, surely needs anti-tank weapons to quell the one of many guerrilla and terrorist organizations running around. wonderful France, wonderful.
not helpful
I like my country as well. you should come visit sometime, it is snowing in Paris right now. Ron, I doubt you understand the use of such weaponry...
When do they get the anti aircraft missiles?
For free from the Generous France
Hez probably already has them.
they o ready got that just waiting for the right time to use them
Just a question of time, perhaps a year or two
They should spare a a nuke sub at least.
Israel gets its weapons free from the US. Stop whining.
Israel is defending herself. Hezbastards are trying to eliminate Israel.