Israel launches spy satellite

Israel yesterday launched a new spy satellite that it said would provide high-quality surveillance for its military intelligence.

Israel has been building up its surveillance capabilities to monitor enemies such as Iran, whose nuclear program it sees as a major threat.

The satellite, called Ofek 16, was shot into space early morning from a site in central Israel by a locally-developed Shavit rocket, which was used to launch previous Ofek satellites.

"We will continue to strengthen and maintain Israel's capabilities on every front, in every place," said Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

The Defense Ministry called Ofek 16 "an electro-optical reconnaissance satellite with advanced capabilities." The first images will be received in about a week.