2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

ISRAEL AT RISK
Ballistic missiles are one of the most effective means of delivering a nuclear payload. They do not
encounter the difficulties of long-range aircraft flight or the uncertainties of smuggling via terrorist
proxies. Thus, for Tehran, missiles that carry unconventional weapons provide the best means to
strike or intimidate its enemies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed conclusive evidence that Iran has
been developing the technology to place a bomb onto a ballistic missile. According to the IAEA,
Iran has tried to adapt its main long-range missile to carry a nuclear payload. Documents reveal
that Iran has worked on the “redesign of the inner cone of the Shihab‐3 missile reentry vehicle to
accommodate a nuclear warhead.”
Hamas, Hizballah Acquire Sophisticated Weapons
Both of the principal terrorist organizations based along Israel’s borders—Hamas and Hizballah—
continue to build up their stockpiles of weapons and strengthen their military capabilities. These
groups receive assistance from Iran to expand their arsenals and to carry out attacks against Israel.
Since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Hamas has launched more than 9,500 rockets at
Israel, including 1,600 during a major barrage in November 2012. Hamas continues to expand
the range and lethality of its arsenal, which includes 122mm Grad rockets and 120mm mortar
bombs imported from Iran. New 240mm Fajr heavy rockets have now also entered the arena
and have already been used to bombard heavily populated central Israel. One of the unintended
consequences of Libya’s liberation and Hosni Mubarak’s downfall in 2011 has been a flood of
shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles and other terror weapons passing from Qaddafi’s arsenal
through the Sinai Peninsula into Gaza.
Hizballah—also a U.S.-designated terrorist group—has accumulated 60,000 rockets, including
both short- and long-range versions, all aimed at Israel. According to former Secretary of Defense
Robert Gates and other U.S. officials, Hizballah possesses more advanced weaponry than most
countries. A New York Times article published after WikiLeaks released thousands of State
Department cables cites Syria’s transfer of 10 Scud-D ballistic missiles to Hizballah that can
target all of Israel. This acquisition of advanced technology, which may soon accelerate if Syria’s
Assad seeks to secure parts of his own arms stockpile from rebels, demonstrates that Hizballah
is a regional threat—to Israel, other U.S. allies and areas of U.S. interest. The radical Shia Islamic
group also threatens the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon.
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