Israel has tested a missile that can intercept short-term rockets, such as the Kassam, Channel 10 television reported Sunday, but Reuters News Agency said that work on the system, dubbed Iron Dome, may be halted. It is due to be operational by 2010, and the government has budgeted $200 million for the project, developed by Israel's Rafael defense firm.
The recent escalation in terrorist rocket attacks on the Negev and on the port city of Ashkelon have made it less practical for Defense Minister Ehud Barak to wait until 2010, Reuters reported. He has staked his reputation on the Iron Dome system, but also has insisted that Israel not surrender any land to Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas before an anti-rocket system is in place.
He now is reviewing two American systems that previously have been rejected. The news agency reported that Pinchas Buchris, a senior aide to the defense minister, flew to the United States on Sunday to watch the Nautilus anti-rocket system in action.
The recent escalation in terrorist rocket attacks on the Negev and on the port city of Ashkelon have made it less practical for Defense Minister Ehud Barak to wait until 2010, Reuters reported. He has staked his reputation on the Iron Dome system, but also has insisted that Israel not surrender any land to Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas before an anti-rocket system is in place.
He now is reviewing two American systems that previously have been rejected. The news agency reported that Pinchas Buchris, a senior aide to the defense minister, flew to the United States on Sunday to watch the Nautilus anti-rocket system in action.