Israel Warns Advanced Cruise Missiles Could Fall in Hands of Armed Groups

A tomahawk cruise missile launches from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup for a live-fire exercise during Valiant Shield 2018 in the Philippine Sea, September 18, 2018. (Reuters)

The Israeli security and military leaders have expressed their concern on Sunday over the development advanced cruise missiles, which can fly at supersonic speeds, that can fall in the hands of armed groups.

They said the Middle East is witnessing an unprecedented arms race whereby countries and various armed groups are knocking on the doors of the world’s leading arms producers, the United States, China and Russia, all of whom are known for manufacturing the advanced cruise missiles.

They voiced fears that the missiles may land in the hands of “Israel’s enemies” and “terrorist organizations”. Israeli sources predicted that China could be the greatest arms supplies for these groups.

“The greatest fear comes from the proven fact that nearly all weapons that are made in China eventually end up in the Middle East,” they added.

expressed its worries Sunday from the development of new cruise missiles with a pace exceeding the speed of sound, while it uncovered a US Congress draft law prohibiting Washington to sell arms to any Arab state without Tel Aviv’s approval.

Israel’s Channel 12 military correspondent, Nir Dvori, said the advanced cruise missiles possess a very quick ability to maneuver in the field, changing entry routes and making it difficult for the Israeli defense system to deal with their speed.

Separately, lawmakers at the US House of Representatives introduced a bipartisan bill that could allow Israel to veto any American arms sales to the Arab countries.

The proposed bill "would require the President to consult with the Israeli government to ensure [qualitative military edge] concerns are settled" in respect to weapons sales to Middle Eastern countries, read a statement by the office of lead sponsor Representative Brad Schneider.

The proposed legislation also asks the US President to inform the Congress of the potential impact of the planned deal on Israel’s military superiority in the region, no later than 60 days after receiving a request to sell arms and military equipment to countries in the Middle East.