NationStates Jolt Archive

This is a video, ostensibly of a Hezbollah rocket launcher firing multiple rockets into Israel.

It is being observed by an Israeli fighter plane, which, after the rockets are fired, proceeds to attack and destroy the launcher.

http://www.flurl.com/item/Hezbolla_Rocket_Launcher_Gets_Bombed_u_160029

If this video is of a Hezbollah rocket launcher firing into Israel, please answer the poll question and judge what you see.

Did I miss the poll on the site? Otherwise, it looks like the plane was waiting for an excuse to eliminate the rocket launcher.

EDIT: Finished posting just as poll came up.

That video looks like a fake in several levels...Which plane was it?

That video looks like a fake in several levels...Which plane was it?

The video appears to have been edited - there's a short initial scene from a higher altitude, and the remainder at a lower altitude. Then the last part (with the explosion) is from very low over the target.

The video appears to have been edited - there's a short initial scene from a higher altitude, and the remainder at a lower altitude. Then the last part (with the explosion) is from very low over the target.

I see, then it is a fighter bomber?

I cannot see if there is a truck firing the missiles or a man...Can you tell?

Well, I'm certain something like this could rather easily be put together. If it's real, it seems justified, but I'll admit I have neither the knowledge nor the expertise to make an informed opinion.

And is it just me, or did the camera suddenly seem to be on the ground for the explosion?

Well, I'm certain something like this could rather easily be put together. If it's real, it seems justified, but I'll admit I have neither the knowledge nor the expertise to make an informed opinion.

And is it just me, or did the camera suddenly seem to be on the ground for the explosion?

No, I got the same impression. Although, it is clear that launcher was a clear military target, so I justify entirely the bombing, as long as the video shows the actual facts.

Well, it appeared to be a video of someone firing something, anyway. There wasn't enough detail to tell if there were civilians present. Based on what little I could see, it appeared to be a legitimate target. So, a qualified "good riddance", which could become unqualified with more information.

And is it just me, or did the camera suddenly seem to be on the ground for the explosion?
Looking at it again, it looks to me like the explosion is viewed from more-or-less above. Watch towards the end as the fireball fades - you can briefly see the road again for a frame or two.

I see, then it is a fighter bomber?

I cannot see if there is a truck firing the missiles or a man...Can you tell?

Missiles with a flame that large in relation to the trees is a vehicle launched missile. A Katyusha, in all likelihood (since it's not an anti-aircraft missile - otherwise, the video would be presented from the other viewpoint).

Well, I'm certain something like this could rather easily be put together. If it's real, it seems justified, but I'll admit I have neither the knowledge nor the expertise to make an informed opinion.

And is it just me, or did the camera suddenly seem to be on the ground for the explosion?
It's called "zoom"

You can actually see the guys who lauched the rockets run away from the launch site. It looks like the first guy got clear, but the second guy didn't.

You can actually see the guys who lauched the rockets run away from the launch site. It looks like the first guy got clear, but the second guy didn't.

The difference between Israeli and US air support.

The AC-130 used by the US can chase down individuals in complete darkness, and shoot at them with either 25mm cannon (at several thousand rounds per minute) or with a 105mm shell - right on an individual.

http://www.nata2.info/war/AC-130U_gunship_video_lo.wmv

Yeah, what they did made sense in the situation. Personally I would have used a smaller bomb- collateral damage makes for horrible PR, worsening the Israeli image in the international community and likely driving more people to join Hezbollah or other extremist groups.

Now, I do object to the way the action against Lebanon is being run, but despite my quibbling about the size of the explosive, I believe that the pilot was entirely justified. That was no fruitpicker.