The IAF began on Wednesday to deploy a third Iron Dome missile defense system near the city of Ashdod. Defense Minister Ehud Barak had promised Monday that a third Iron Dome battery would be deployed within the week.
“This is something that completely changes the way we protect our citizens,” he said of the system.
The decision to add a battery follows a sharp increase in the number of rocket attacks carried out by Gaza terrorists in recent weeks. Southern Israel has been hit by more than 160 rockets, including several Grad rockets that hit cities.
The existing Iron Dome batteries managed to intercept several of the rockets before impact. However, several other rockets struck their targets, killing one person and wounding many more.
One rocket hit a school, adding to concerns over the safety of the many tens of thousands of children returning to schools in the south on Wednesday and Thursday. The new battery near Ashdod will add protection for Ashkelon and Be'er Sheva as well, according to Barak.
Barak said Monday that by late 2012, there will be at least nine Iron Dome batteries operating in the south. The United States has pledged $205 million in aid to purchase four of the systems.