🔺Video Shows Israel’s Iron Dome in Action
May 16, 2021
On the left, the Israeli Iron Dome missile interception system. On the right, rockets fired at Israel by the Palestinian Hamas militia from Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip.
The impressive nighttime image, taken by photographer Anas Baba, reflects the fighting between the Israeli army and Palestinian militants, which has escalated in recent days.
Images of Palestinian projectiles at night and the reaction of the Iron Dome missiles have become commonplace for residents of Ashkelon, Sderot and other Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip.
As reported by the Israel Defense Forces, more than 2,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israeli targets.
Also known as the Iron Dome, this Israeli shield is part of a broad air defense system operating in Israel.
Its objective is to protect the country from ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, rockets and other air threats.
It was designed by the Rafael Advanced Defense System LTD company, a private firm with very close ties to the Israeli armed forces that builds air, maritime and land defense systems.
It also had funding in excess of US $200 million from the United States.
Its manufacturer ensures that it is the most widely deployed anti-missile system in the world and that it is effective in more than 90% of cases.
The conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters has escalated, with an exchange of fire not seen in the region for several years. As of Friday afternoon, 122 deaths had been recorded in the Gaza Strip and 10 in the West Bank, both areas of Palestinian population. Eight people have died in Israel.
