Here's a video that shows Iron Dome in action against Hamas attack:However, the Iron Dome is primarily tailored for low-altitude, slow-moving projectiles.
US officials are concerned that Hezbollah’s extensive arsenal of missiles and drones could pose a significant challenge to the Iron Dome.
The Iron Dome is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets, mortars, and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometres.
However, a senior US administration official told CNN, "We assess that at least some Iron Dome batteries will be overwhelmed (in the event of war with Hezbollah)."
Earlier this month, Hezbollah released a video purportedly showing a drone striking and damaging an Iron Dome battery in northern Israel.
In the event of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group could potentially overwhelm Israel’s air defences, including the highly-regarded Iron Dome system, according to three US officials who spoke to CNN. This warning comes as Israel prepares for possible land and air incursions into Lebanon.
The Iron Dome missile defence system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries with US support, has been a cornerstone of Israel's air defence since its introduction in 2011.
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The Iron Dome played a crucial role in tackling the barrage of missiles from Palestinian militant group Hamas in October last year.
Here's a video that shows Iron Dome in action against Hamas attack:
However, the Iron Dome is primarily tailored for low-altitude, slow-moving projectiles. This makes it potentially vulnerable to the more sophisticated, precision-guided munitions that Hezbollah has been stockpiling from Iran over the years.
US officials are concerned that Hezbollah’s extensive arsenal of missiles and drones could pose a significant challenge to the Iron Dome.
The Iron Dome is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets, mortars, and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometres. The system has a remarkable track record, having successfully intercepted over 5,000 projectiles, including rockets, mortars, artillery shells, aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs.
However, a senior US administration official told CNN, "We assess that at least some Iron Dome batteries will be overwhelmed (in the event of war with Hezbollah)."
An Israeli official said this outcome would be more likely if Hezbollah launched a large-scale attack using precision-guided weapons. The fears are not unfounded.
Earlier this month, Hezbollah released a video purportedly showing a drone striking and damaging an Iron Dome battery in northern Israel. Although the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported no damage, the incident has raised alarms about the system's vulnerability, especially in northern Israel.
In preparation for a potential conflict with Hezbollah, Israeli officials have informed the US of plans to shift resources from southern Gaza to northern Israel. This strategic repositioning underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by Hezbollah, which has an arsenal of approximately 1,50,000 rockets and missiles, including thousands of precision munitions.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Implications
The potential for a wider conflict has prompted diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
US special envoy Amos Hochstein has been actively involved in advocating for a ceasefire and negotiating parallel diplomatic deals between Israel and Hezbollah. However, cross-border attacks have continued to escalate, with Hezbollah launching rockets and drones in solidarity with Hamas since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023.
US officials are particularly concerned about the broader regional implications of a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The involvement of other Iran-backed proxy groups and the safety of US troops in the Middle East are other concerns. There are questions about the willingness of other regional players to support Israel if it initiates a greater conflict.
Both Israel and Hezbollah have ramped up their rhetoric. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has warned that in the event of war, "no rules and no ceilings" would apply to Hezbollah's response.
He also threatened that targets in the eastern Mediterranean, including Cyprus, could be at risk if Israel uses its bases to strike Lebanon.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning as well, stating that Israel would "turn Beirut into Gaza" if war breaks out.
Despite these threats, analysts believe that neither side is eager for an all-out war, recognising the severe risks and potential for regional destabilisation.
Published By: Anuja Jha Published On: Jun 21, 2024
