Israeli missile firm in running for Scottish government contract

An Israeli state-owned defence company is bidding for a multi-million-pound government contract to monitor Scotland's roads, local media reported.

If successful, Elta Systems - a subsidiary of government-owned Israeli Aerospace Industries - would take control of CCTV operations at the Edinburgh-based national control centre.

The road-monitoring operation would be a far cry from Elta's usual sphere of military and intelligence operations, including the development of air surveillance, targeting and defence systems. 

The radar system used in Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system was developed by Elta, which also supplies radar systems to Israeli Navy vessels involved in the sea blockade of the besieged Gaza Strip.

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill has raised concerns over the £21 million ($29.8 million) tender in light of Israel's 11-day bombardment of the Gaza Strip this month.

"If it is established that this company has been regularly ­testing systems in Gaza they should not be anywhere near this contract," McNeill was quoted as saying by The Daily Record. Elta develops automatic testing systems.

"I ask the Scottish ­Government to look in to this as soon as possible... It is my understanding that the Government policy is not to allow Scottish companies to engage goods and services linked to the occupation of Palestinian Territories and I will be calling on them to act," the Labour politician said.

Ross Greer, a spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, also called on Holyrood to examine Elta's involvement in the occupation of Palestine.

"Any company complicit in ­Israel’s brutal occupation of ­Palestine should be banned from bidding for public contracts here in Scotland," Greer was quoted as saying by The Daily Record.

“Sixty-six Palestinian children were killed this month as a result of this illegal military occupation. Scotland shouldn’t have blood on its hands by funding Israel’s arms dealers."