What is the Iron Dome? Israel calls for help as missiles stocks dwindle amidst Hamas rocket onslaught
WASHINGTON, DC: Israel has urgently sought assistance from the Pentagon to replenish its crucial Iron Dome missile defense system following a devastating missile barrage during a recent Hamas attack on border areas.
The Iron Dome, renowned for its effectiveness, is a cornerstone of Israel's defense strategy, having saved countless civilian lives during past conflicts. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lauded the Iron Dome's performance, citing a remarkable 95.6% success rate during a rocket salvo fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad in May.
US pledges support
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Israel has also requested additional precision-guided weapons and artillery as the IDF continues to strike targets inside Gaza, with the prospect of a full-scale invasion looming.
In response to Israel's plea, the White House and the Pentagon have committed to providing the necessary support.
However, there are concerns among some lawmakers about potential obstacles in Congress, as the House currently lacks a Speaker following Kevin McCarthy's removal. This could complicate efforts to bolster US military aid, given the reliance on existing "drawdown authority."
"We have to get a Speaker elected this week, so we can get things on the floor like replenishing the Iron Dome, get a resolution that Ranking Member [Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.)] and I have been working on, a bipartisan resolution condemning Hamas for what they have done to Israel," House Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told CNN on Sunday, October 8.
The Biden administration has briefed lawmakers on Israel's immediate requirements, which include precision-guided bombs and missile interceptors.
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a significant ground force operation in Gaza, having called up 300,000 reserve forces, which will further strain their equipment and supplies.
Israel's counteroffensive
Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has announced a complete siege on the Gaza Strip, with severe restrictions on electricity, food, and fuel after the Palentinian millitant group Hamas began attacking on October 7.
"I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed," Gallant said. "We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly."
President Biden has pledged unwavering support for Israel's defense, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of its citizens.
He confirmed this commitment, stating, "We'll make sure that they have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised speech, declared that Israel's offensive against Hamas had only just begun.
"We have only started striking Hamas," he said. "What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations."
This follows reports of attacks from Gaza that have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 900 Israeli lives, with President Biden also confirming that at least 11 Americans were among the casualties and raising concerns about the possibility of American hostages.
How the Iron Dome works
The Iron Dome, a pivotal component of Israel's defense, had its initial days of development in 2007, with deployments beginning in 2011.
The system comprises 10 batteries, each equipped with maneuverable missile launchers strategically placed to defend populated areas, boasting a success rate of over 90%.
The Iron Dome operates through a four-step protocol: detection, prediction, assessment, and interception. The radar identifies incoming rockets and sends data to a control center, which calculates impact locations and prioritizes threats. If interception is warranted, missiles are fired from the ground to destroy the incoming rocket.
Each of Israel's 10 Iron Dome batteries includes three to four launchers, is easily transportable, and can be set up in a matter of hours.
The missile interceptors are highly maneuverable, measuring 3 meters in length and weighing 90 kilograms at launch. These interceptors carry a warhead with 11 kilograms of high explosives and have a range of 4 to 70 kilometers.
It is crucial to note that the Iron Dome is designed to intercept unguided rockets at low altitudes, commonly fired by militant groups in Gaza. However, the cost of operating the system can escalate rapidly during times of conflict, with each missile interceptor priced at approximately $40,000.
The United States has invested over $1.5 billion in the Iron Dome program to date, according to CNN.