Friday, November 08, 2013
Elder of Ziyon
An agreement between the United States and Iran over the latter's nuclear program seems imminent, but the charm offensive in Geneva is not mirrored at home. In Tehran, the Iranian government sent a different message with a broadcast on state television of a simulated missile attack on Israel.
The hour-long documentary program included segments about the capabilities of Iranian missiles and the possibility of their use in response to foreign threats. The program included a video simulation of a potential response by Iran to an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities.
The video showed computer-animated launches of Iran's long-range Sejjil ballistic missiles. The animations show Israel's air defense systems intercepting a few missiles as others penetrate the protective layer and destroy different strategic targets across Israel.
Among the targets shown are the Azrieli Towers and the Kirya in Tel Aviv, the IDF base Tzfirin in central Israel, a generic missile launch site, Ben Gurion Airport, and the nuclear reactor at Dimona. The targets were circled on Google Maps, and the video finished with real pictures of casualties from the Second Lebanon War.
The idea of making a video simulating different scenarios is not inherently bad. It would be expected in a Western newscast or documentary about the situation. But there are two things to note about this video.
One is that the patriotic, uplifting music shows that this isn't a situation that is looked upon reluctantly, but as an ideal. Attempting to destroy Israel is not considered a last resort and regrettable but it is portrayed as a nationalistic duty, only waiting for a plausible excuse.
The other is that Iran is publicly bragging that it would aim its missiles at civilians (the Azrieli towers, Ben Gurion airport.) The Azrieli Center is particularly interesting because it is Israel's equivalent to the World Trade Center in terms of symbolism.
Iran gloats that it wholeheartedly supports terrorism against Israelis.
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