Explainer | Is Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system ironclad?
- Israel’s short-range Iron Dome air defence system is designed to intercept rockets
- Here is a look at the accomplishments – and limitations – of the Iron Dome system
Since Israel activated the Iron Dome in 2011, the cutting-edge rocket-defence system has intercepted thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.
The system has given residents a sense of security, and Israelis can often be seen watching the projectiles flying through the skies and destroying their targets overhead.
But the current war with Hamas might be its stiffest challenge yet.
In just two weeks, Hamas has fired 7,000 rockets toward Israel, according to the Israeli military. That is more than any of the previous four wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group seized power in Gaza in 2007.
On October 7 alone, the first day of fighting, Hamas launched at least 2,000 rockets, according to data from West Point. Lebanon’s Hezbollah has also fired hundreds of rockets along Israel’s northern front since the fighting began.