Israel launches its largest satellite

Israel has launched a satellite which will provide video distribution and broadband services to Russian and Asian internet and communications companies.

Israel's main aerospace and defence company says it has launched into space the country's "largest and most sophisticated" communications satellite.

State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd said it launched the Amos-4 satellite from a Russian-operated space launch base in Kazakhstan on Saturday night.

Space Communication Ltd, the Israeli company operating the satellite, says the Amos-4 will be operational within two months and will provide video distribution and broadband services to Russian and Asian internet and communications companies.

Israeli Science and Technology Minister Yaacov Peri says space-related matters are "critical to Israel's security".

The Israeli military and Defence Ministry had no comment on the launch.