The New York Times says that Israel has deployed its “Arrow” anti-missile missile system in anticipation of an Iraqi strike on the country’s major population centers. According to the report, one battery is already in place somewhere in the center of the country, while two other batteries are in the preparation phase. The Arrow missile was specifically built for intercepting ballistic missiles unlike the American Patriot missile--used by Israel during the Gulf War to intercept Scuds--, which was designed to shoot down airplanes. The Arrow is capable of destroying Scuds at a much higher altitude than a Patriot.



The report comes as Israel’s defense establishment continues to express confidence in Israel’s deterrent capabilities. Over the weekend Chief of Statt Lt. General Moshe Ya’alon said that doesn't lose sleep over the Iraqi situation.