Tensions between Israel and Palestine have risen substantially in the past 12 days. Port and energy infrastructure are at this stage assessed to be proxy targets.
According to Dryad Global, after the eviction of 12 Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East-Jerusalem, protests erupted which led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
In the last 48 hours there has been a significant escalation of force which has seen Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ) conduct multiple indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israeli cities
Key targets have included Askhelon, Ashdod, Tel Aviv, including Israel’s main airport Ben Gurion which was forced to close. In addition, there have also been reports of alerts in Gaza border communities, and the Southeastern cities of Beersheba and Dimona.
At the time of reporting, it is understood that the associated maritime Ports of Ashkelon and Ashdod have been closed
said Dryad.
In fact, footage released by local witnesses shows rockets impacting the port facility at Asdod and the offshore area beyond the main anchorage.
What is more, there are reports claiming that a rocket landed near the Maltese flagged Cargo vessel MONA and the Panama flagged cargo vessel AHMET ONEL.
Furthermore, port and energy infrastructure are at this stage assessed to be proxy targets with any damage resulting from the indiscriminate nature of attacks however such targets are known to be part of the wider strategic intent of Hamas and the PIJ.
Dryad adds that militants are also understood to have access to the Iranian made Fajr-5 surface – to – surface rocket. The Fajr-5 is understood to have a range of 75km and was originally designed as an unguided artillery system and is understood to remain in service as an unguided anti-ship missile used by the IRGC(N).
However, it is assessed that there is no stated intent to target wider commercial shipping. Nevertheless, ports and offshore infrastructure remain at heightened risk with attacks and associated damage a realistic possibility.
