Anti-rocket system was delayed, Peretz says
After deciding on rocket interception system, defense minister points finger at his predecessors, says 'it's a shame that we stalled and did not purchase the system before. It could have been active by now'
"It's a shame that we stalled and did not purchase the system before," Peretz said.
Peretz arrived at a tree planting ceremony in Sderot along with National Jewish Fund officials and was warmly welcomed by Mayor Eli Moyal.
The defense minister on Sunday evening presented Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with the work done to choose a rocket interception system. Outgoing Defense Ministry Director-General Gabi Ahskenazi, the next Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, also took part in the meeting.
The prime minister approved the plan, but its financing method has yet to be determined.
According to Peretz, "The Sderot area will be the first area where the system will be built. This system also provides a diplomatic message, because it responds to the organizations violating the calm."
Peretz in Sderot (Photo: Amir Cohen)
Peretz also addressed the government's approval of the new army chief. According to him, the decision on the appointment was extremely important.
"The government approved my recommendation to appoint Gabi Ashkenazi for a four-year term at the start of his tenure. This conveys an important message of stability also for a working plan, and is a step aimed at examining every move."
'No plans to evacuate Sderot'
Referring to a possible evacuation of Sderot, the defense minister said that "there are rumors that Sderot is about to be evacuated. There has been and will be no such intention, and we have no plans whatsoever to adopt a policy of evacuation. All these rumors are baseless.
"The fact that the residents' details were taken in order to prepare is a correct move, both to the front and the home front, but we are definitely not talking about evacuation. Sderot residents, including me and my family, are staying in Sderot."
Peretz plants tree (Photo: Amir Cohen)
The system chosen by the defense minister last week is dubbed “Iron Dome”, manufactured by RAFAEL Armament Development Authority Ltd.
Peretz's decision, which followed several months of deliberations, is part of Israel's response to the Qassams that are being launched at Israel from the Gaza Strip and to more advanced rockets such as the Katyushas at the northern border.
The “Iron Dome” system is expected to be operational within three years.
Rafael will develop the rocket and the interception system, and ELTA will work on the designated radar system (already in its final stages of development). The cost of an interception rocket will be USD 35-50,000.
The major drawback of the system is that it does not provide a solution for mid-range rockets. Its key advantage is that the development will be relatively inexpensive. This factor is important as the system will have to deal with large barrages of dozens and even hundreds of Qassams and Katyushas.
