Israel seizes Iranian arms ship bound for Syria

[Israel Insider]

Special navy forces uncovered weapons and ammunition on a cargo ship overnight Tuesday, boarding a cargo ship some 100 nautical miles west of Israel flying an Antiguan flag. The troops found the weapons and ammunition hidden behind civilian cargo.

Defense officials said the ship was carrying arms sent by Iran and destined for Syria and probably Hizbullah.

According to the officials, the advanced weaponry included missiles. The affair appears to be similar in scale to the seizing of the Karine A ship intercepted in January 2002 off the coast of Gaza, which carried some 50 tons of military equipment including Katyusha rockets, antitank missiles, and high explosives.

The seized ship is currently docked in the Ashdod port, and being unloaded for further inspection. There have been no reports about the identity or fate of the crew, but it is likely they are being interrogated.

A month ago, Der Spiegel reported that the US Navy had boarded a German cargo ship near the Suez Canal that was carrying ammunition from Iran to Syria or Hizbullah.

[Michael Shoemaker]

Robert, I don't think Iran feels seriously threatened by the US using Israel for a military base -- seeing that the US already has bases on nearly all Iran's borders, as well as dozens of warships off its coast. The Turks, Iranians, Syrians, Lebanese and Gazans want to destroy Israel for only one reason -- they're all absolutely bonkers.

[Robert Bernier]

Iran wants to destroy Israel for several reasons :
- It is an outpost of and possible military base for Iran’s primary enemy, the US, in the
Middle East.
- Israel is one of the few issues guaranteed to unite all Muslims, and championing its
destruction allows Iran to obtain influence even with Sunnis, such as Hamas.
- Israel sits in the most strategic spot in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area in which Iran
wishes to project its power. To understand Iran today : http://israelagainstterror.blogspot.com/2009/03/western-self-deception-or-persian_11.html