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Israel successfully tests upgraded Iron Dome anti-missile system

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Israel’s Defence Ministry announced yesterday that it had carried out successful testing of an improved version of the Iron Dome anti-missile system.

The tests, which were carried out in southern Israel over recent days, are part of a programme of annual testing conducted by the Defence Ministry and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. The tests deployed the newly-developed Tamir interceptor missile, a joint US-Israel project. They also tested the ability of the Iron Dome to intercept a variety of targets fired simultaneously at different ranges.

The Iron Dome defence system, provides protection from short range ballistic threats, typically from Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The recent tests would appear to tackle concerns that the system could be overwhelmed by a large number of simultaneous rockets being fired.

Alongside the Arrow 2, Arrow 3 and David’s Sling systems, the Iron Dome is part of Israel’s layered aerial defence system, which is being developed in coordination with the United States. While the Iron Dome provides protection from short-range threats, the Arrow and David’s Sling systems guard against mid and long-range missiles. Together, these systems aim to provide Israel with a protective umbrella to counter all forms of ballistic threats.

Also yesterday, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot told the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee that although Hezbollah was gaining operational experience fighting alongside President al-Assad in Syria, it was suffering from a “financial and morale crisis” following large deployment and heavy losses. He reportedly commented: “Few wish to pay a price in blood.”

Eisenkot’s assessment comes days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that if Israel attacks, his group will target Haifa’s ammonia plant and Dimona’s nuclear reactor.

Channel Ten reports that Eisenkot also assessed that “I don’t see a willingness in Gaza to launch a campaign against us,” despite Yahya Sinwar recently being appointed Hamas leader in Gaza with a reputation for an unrestrained military approach.