THE SHIELD BEHIND THE BRUTALITY: IRON DOME

Israel is advancing its expansionist policies daily, disregarding the rights of Palestinians and universal principles. With its technical, economic, and diplomatic superiority, Israel is unwavering in its desire to alter historical and legal statuses.

The ongoing tensions in the region encompass numerous painful experiences that are unworthy of human decency. From May 10 to May 21, 2021, during the period of conflict before the ceasefire agreement, Israel caused the deaths of over 60 children and more than 200 Palestinians in its attacks. In contrast, Israel suffered 12 casualties, including two children. The significant disparity in losses can be attributed to the low-tech rockets of Hamas’s military wing, the Kassam Brigades, trying to overcome Israel’s multi-million-dollar air defense system. However, despite all measures and high costs, Israel’s casualties might be seen as a failure.

The “Iron Dome” air defense system, developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries with financial and technical support from the US, is a key factor that has determined whether Israel’s response is deemed “successful” or “unsuccessful.”

Iron Dome, a component of Israel’s multi-layered air defense system, is effective against rockets, mortars, artillery shells, as well as aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. Since threats to Israel primarily come from rockets, the system is renowned for its effectiveness against these threats.

The Necessity of the Iron Dome Air Defense System

The Second Lebanon War, which began in July 2006, highlighted the significant threat posed by short-range rockets to Israel and was a major factor leading to the creation of the Iron Dome defense system. During this conflict, from July 12 to August 14, 2006, according to Israeli official sources, 3,970 rockets struck Israel. The short flight time and range of Katyusha rockets made it technically and financially infeasible to intercept them with the Patriot air defense system.

In the Second Lebanon War, Israel lost 43 civilians and 117 soldiers, while Lebanese casualties were significantly higher. Publicly available information indicates that more than 7,000 airstrikes and 2,500 naval bombardments by Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,183 Lebanese, including one-third of whom were children.

Following the Second Lebanon War, significant official steps were taken, including the signing of the first contract for Iron Dome, but the threat of short-range rockets continued until the system became operational in 2011.

In December 2008, Israel began bombing Gaza, citing rocket and missile attacks from Hamas. Due to the deep technological gap between Hamas and Israel, Gaza was subjected to a blockade by sea, land, and air. Between December 27, 2008, and January 18, 2009, these attacks led to the deaths of approximately 1,440 Palestinians, many of whom were civilians.

US Support

In May 2010, the White House announced that President Barack Obama recognized the threat posed by rockets and missiles from Hamas and Hezbollah and decided to seek Congressional funding to support Israel’s Iron Dome system. Initially, the US provided $205 million in funding for Iron Dome in the 2011 fiscal year and has continued its support. By 2018, the US had transferred over $6 billion to Israel for Iron Dome and similar systems.

Iron Dome, which became operational with US support, has reportedly intercepted more than 2,500 rockets over ten years, with a success rate of 90%.

Israel’s “Optimum Solution” Approach

According to Israeli writer Yagil Levy’s article in the Washington Post on May 14, 2021, international criticism following the attacks from December 27, 2008, to January 18, 2009, made Israel more “careful.” The Iron Dome air defense system provided Israel with an “optimum solution” by balancing protection for Israelis and limiting potential harm to Gazan civilians. Many Western experts view Iron Dome as reducing threats to Israel and preventing potential ground attacks. Levy reiterates that, in addition to protecting Israelis, Iron Dome also “protects” Gazan civilians from alternative ground attacks.

However, on May 14, 2021, reports indicated that during the recent conflict starting May 10, more than 120 Palestinians had been killed, and over 900 injured. This demonstrates that Israel’s “optimum solution” approach does not fully safeguard Palestinian lives and property, despite former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim of an “exceptional success” in Gaza.

Why Iron Dome Could Not Fully Protect Israeli Borders and People

Each Iron Dome battery consists of a radar system, a battle management system, and 3 or 4 missile launch units, each containing 20 Tamir missiles. Therefore, batteries have only 60 to 80 missiles. Israel attempts to intercept rockets worth $1,000 with Tamir missiles estimated to cost between $20,000 and $100,000. Due to the cost disparity, Tamir missiles are only launched when threats target populated areas or significant facilities.

Experts note that the Iron Dome’s effectiveness is hard to evaluate because it is not designed to intercept every threat. If a Hamas rocket lands in Israel, it may be because Iron Dome failed to intercept it or deemed the rocket not a significant threat. The limited damage from rockets hitting rural areas highlights the misconception that Iron Dome is a comprehensive shield for all of Israel.

According to Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a partner of Rafael in the US, each battery covers approximately 60 square miles. Experts estimate that 13 Iron Dome batteries are needed to protect all of Israel, but Israel has only 10 batteries.

With 60 to 80 Tamir missiles per battery, Israel can deploy 600 to 800 missiles if all batteries are fully stocked. Despite a reported 90% success rate, two Tamir missiles are sometimes fired at rockets expected to hit densely populated areas.

The Iron Dome’s capacity to intercept rockets is limited. This disadvantage, noted by experts since the system’s early years, forms the basis for Hamas’s rocket salvos.

Hamas’s “Surprising” Rocket Salvos

The critical importance of Hamas targeting Tel Aviv on May 10 and the resulting casualties and damage in this key city cannot be understated. Although Tel Aviv has been targeted by Hamas before, the intensity of the recent attacks was unexpected for Israelis.

According to Israeli sources, during the 2014 conflict, Hamas launched nearly 4,000 rockets at Israel over 50 days. Previously, Hamas would fire dozens of rockets daily, spreading the attacks over time. However, in the recent conflict, Hamas managed to launch more than 100 rockets within minutes.

Western media reports that the scale of the rocket salvos shocked Israelis. It also highlights the surprise of the Israeli military, described as the “most equipped and advanced military force in the Middle East,” at Hamas’s willingness to initiate such a process and risk the consequences.

And Now

According to information released in May 2021, Israeli intelligence assessed that Hamas had a limited number of rockets capable of reaching Tel Aviv. Although mutual attacks ceased following the ceasefire, ongoing high tensions and the “fragile” nature of the ceasefire make Hamas’s rocket capacity crucial for both parties.

At this point, Iron Dome helps Israel by limiting its losses in its expansionist policies but also shows that even with limited capability, it is possible for Israel to suffer casualties and damage.