Defense Minister Ehud Barak is pleased with the continued successful testing of the “Iron Dome” defense system. Barak said that the multi-tiered defense system is a national strategic goal for the State of Israel. The “Iron Dome” works by intercepting medium-range Katyusha rockets as well as the shorter, homemade Kassam rockets and mortars fired by Gaza terrorists, using a small kinetic missile interceptor called the “Tamir.”

Barak said that the Iron Dome’s successful implementation will allow the IDF to fulfill its obligations to protect Israeli citizens in the best way possible. The Ministry’s director general, Pinchas Buchris, hailed the successful testing of Iron Dome performed this week as a milestone in the development of the system against ballistic threats. Defense Ministry officials said that the trials complete a series of preparations for the Israel Air Force, and are being run on schedule.