Less than 24 hours after its deployment, the new anti-missile system "Iron Dome" received a visit from the Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz.
The soldiers who operate "Iron Dome" set up the anti-missile battery near Be'er Sheva Sunday, following the extensive barrage of rockets fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians in recent days and weeks.
Accompanying Gantz on the tour of "Iron Dome" were Air Force head Maj.-Gen. Ido Nechushtan, Southern Command head Maj.-Gen Tal Russo and the commander of the Aerial Defense Array, Brig.-Gen. Doron Gavish.
The commanders received explanations about the activity of the battery and the process of turning it operational. The system is currently defined as being in an "operational testing" phase. The officers were also briefed regarding the area which the battery protects and toured that area in a Cobra helicopter.
The three also spoke with the officers and soldiers manning the battery. "They gave us emphases regarding the importance of the job, the mission that the commanders and soldiers in the unit fulfill, and they expressed their appreciation for us," said the battery's deputy commander, Maj. Nir Talias.
"Motivation in the battery is high and we feel the weight of the responsibility, taking into consideration the importance of the mission," he said, "but we have full confidence in the ability of the people and the ability of the weapon to carry it out in the best possible way."