Hezbollah Rockets Overwhelm Iron Dome:
Hezbollah Rockets Overwhelm Iron Dome on Tuesday, when they launched nearly 300 rockets and drones at Israel and Occupied Golan Heights, Israeli newspaper Times of Israel reported, citing the military. At least 270 missiles were launched from Lebanon by the militant group into Israeli areas and the Golan Heights, leading to material damage in several places.
Hezbollah’s rockets and drones sparked several fires in northern Israel
Picture Courtesy: BBC NewsDavid Gritten
https://youtu.be/WqcQilH92pI?si=pC1suVWfVp5I1urH
Hezbollah’s barrage of rockets overwhelmed Israel’s Iron Dome defence system, impacting over seven cities. This unprecedented attack has prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take urgent measures. This article delves into the details of the incident, the effectiveness of the Iron Dome, and the broader implications for regional stability.
The Iron Dome’s Capabilities and Limitations
The Iron Dome is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. It has been a cornerstone of Israel’s defence strategy, boasting an interception success rate of approximately 90%1. However, the recent attack highlighted its limitations when faced with a high-density barrage. The system’s performance under such conditions raises questions about its capacity to handle simultaneous multi-front threats.
Netanyahu’s Response
In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with top military and intelligence officials. He emphasized the need for immediate action to bolster Israel’s defence capabilities and ensure the safety of its citizens. Netanyahu’s response included:
- Increased Military Readiness: Deployment of additional troops and advanced defence systems to vulnerable areas.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Engaging with international allies to garner support and condemn Hezbollah’s actions.
- Public Assurance: Addressing the nation to reassure citizens of the government’s commitment to their security.
https://youtu.be/YZ1Fo_RfIcU?si=1IM5Al4jmfE6YNqt
Regional Implications
An excavator removes a charred car in Kiryat Bialik in the Haifa district of Israel following a Hezbollah attack [Jack Guez/AFP]
The attack and Israel’s subsequent response have significant implications for the region. It underscores the persistent threat posed by Hezbollah and the potential for further escalation. The incident also highlights the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the ongoing struggle for dominance between Israel and its adversaries.
Origins and Early History
- Late 19th Century: The conflict traces back to the rise of national movements, including Zionism and Arab nationalism. Zionists sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire1.
- Balfour Declaration (1917): The British government supported the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, leading to increased Jewish immigration2.
- Post-World War II: The Holocaust intensified international support for a Jewish state. In 1947, the UN proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states2.
Key Events
- 1948 Arab-Israeli War: Following Israel’s declaration of independence, neighbouring Arab countries (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq) attacked. The war resulted in significant territorial changes and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians2.
- Six-Day War (1967): Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. This war significantly altered the region’s geopolitical landscape1.
- Yom Kippur War (1973): Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. The conflict ended with a ceasefire, but it highlighted the ongoing volatility in the region1.
- Oslo Accords (1993): These agreements aimed to establish a framework for peace and the eventual creation of a Palestinian state. However, progress has been slow and fraught with setbacks1.
Involvement of Neighboring Countries
- Egypt: Initially a key adversary, Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, becoming the first Arab country to do so1.
- Jordan: Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994 and has since maintained diplomatic relations1.
- Lebanon: Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel, including the 2006 Lebanon War1.
- Syria: Syria has been involved in multiple wars with Israel and continues to be a significant player in the region’s dynamics1.
- Gulf States: Recently, some Gulf countries, including the UAE and Bahrain, have normalized relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords1.
Current Status
The conflict remains unresolved, with periodic escalations of violence. Key issues include the status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, security concerns, and the rights of Palestinian refugees12.
Comparison of weapon systems Iron Dome, Patriot (PAC-3) and THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)
Iron Dome
- Purpose: Designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells.
- Range: Effective against threats within a range of 4 to 70 kilometres.
- Components: Includes detection and tracking radar, battle management and weapon control (BMC), and missile firing units.
- Effectiveness: High success rate (around 90%) in intercepting short-range threats.
- Deployment: Primarily used by Israel to protect against rocket attacks from groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Patriot (PAC-3)
- Purpose: Designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.
- Range: Effective against threats within a range of up to 160 kilometres.
- Components: Includes AN/MPQ-53/65 radar sets, engagement control stations, and MIM-104 missiles.
- Effectiveness: Proven in various conflicts, with a high success rate against various aerial threats.
- Deployment: Widely used by the United States and its allies, including in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)
- Purpose: Designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase.
- Range: Effective against threats within a range of up to 200 kilometres.
- Components: Includes AN/TPY-2 radar, THAAD fire control and communication (TFCC), and interceptor missiles.
- Effectiveness: High success rate in intercepting ballistic missiles at high altitudes, providing a layered defence capability.
- Deployment: Used by the United States and deployed in strategic locations such as South Korea and the Middle East.
Comparison Summary
- Iron Dome is best suited for short-range threats and is highly effective in urban defence scenarios.
- Patriot offers a broader range of defence capabilities, including against aircraft and cruise missiles, making it versatile for various threat environments.
- THAAD provides a high-altitude defence layer, particularly effective against ballistic missiles, complementing other systems like Patriot for a comprehensive missile defence strategy.
Each system has its strengths and is often used in conjunction with others to provide a multi-layered defence approach123.
Conclusion
The recent rocket attack by Hezbollah and the subsequent strain on the Iron Dome system has brought to light critical vulnerabilities in Israel’s defence strategy. As Prime Minister Netanyahu takes decisive action, the world watches closely, aware that the region’s stability hangs in the balance. The incident is a stark reminder of the ever-present threats and the need for continual advancements in defence technology.
The Iron Dome, Patriot, and THAAD systems are all advanced missile defence systems, but they serve different purposes and have distinct capabilities. Here’s a comparison of the three:
The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing and complex issue with deep historical roots. Here’s a brief overview of its origins, key events, and the involvement of neighbouring countries:
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