In recent tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, the Israeli military claims that Hamas has fired 1,500 rockets at Israel, but most of them have been destroyed by the Iron Dome in the air.
Israeli officials say the Iron Dome defense system has a success rate of about 90 percent.
How does the Iron Dome work?
The Iron Dome is one of several multimillion-dollar anti-missile systems installed in Israel. The system uses radar to track rockets fired at it and fire interceptor missiles to avert the incoming rockets.
This technology distinguishes between rockets that are targeting a densely populated area and makes sure it misses all the targets.
Only rockets that are approaching more populated areas are stopped, which makes the system really formidable. According to the Times of Israel, each interceptor missile costs 150,000 dollars.
How was it engineered?
The Iron Dome was founded in 2006 during tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah fired thousands of rockets, causing heavy financial losses in Israel and killing dozens of Israelis.
A year later, Israel’s state defense company, Raphael Advance Systems, announced that it would develop a new anti-missile defense shield system.
The United States also provided 20 million for the project. After years of research, the system was first tested in combat in 2011 when it fired a rocket at the southern city of Beersheba.
What are its weaknesses?
There is no doubt that the Iron Dome saved the Israelis from many attacks, but it is not completely 100% successful.
The BBC’s foreign affairs analyst Jonathan Marks says part of the Iron Dome that was defending the city of Ashkelon was offline in recent tensions due to a technical glitch.
Some critics believe that the 90% success rate for rockets fired from Gaza will be difficult to achieve against another enemy in the future.
Jonah Jeremy Bob, the Jerusalem Post’s intelligence editor, says Hezbollah has the ability to fire more rockets in less time, making it harder for the Iron Dome to stop them all.
But for now, the Israelis are grateful for the Iron Dome.
However, political scientist Dr. Yuo says that because of the reliance on the Iron Dome, Israeli authorities are slow to find a long-term solution to the problem.
“The success of the Iron Dome has led to failed foreign policy that has led to escalation in tensions, and for many years now we have been caught in this never-ending cycle of violence.”
