Israel's oft-stated policy is that since Hamas considers itself to be the rulers of Gaza, any missile and mortar fire from Gaza will be attributed to Hamas. Unless you think that even Hamas is stupid enough to be drawn into physical conflict with Israel at Iran's behest, Iron Dome is designed to intercept short-range missiles. Which does Iran absolutely no good, because Hamas has become increasingly alienated from Iran. The same is true for Hezbollah. Both terrorist organizations are in dire straits, anyway. Besides, Israel maintained a defensive posture throughout last weekend's missile barrage, responding with minimal force. What do you think would happen to PRC and IJ should Israel go on a less restrained offensive? Do you think that there is anything in the arsenals of PRC, IJ or Hamas -- or any other terrorist group, for that matter -- that can defend against a barrage of Israeli missiles? Perhaps you're destined to find out just how much force Israel can bring to bear. You haven't seen it in your lifetime. It's an awesome and terrifying offensive capability.

Not really. If Israel mobilizes against Iran, it will mobilize equally against terrorist elements in Gaza and South Lebanon. With the force Israel can bring to bear, it will be rather like swatting away an annoying gnat. Hezbollah is not likely to do anything -- they are somewhat estranged from their Iranian masters these days, and they can no longer count on Syrian support. Hezbollah will sit this one out. Gaza, where some of the terrorist organizations are heavy on jihadist rhetoric and light on reality, is far more likely to do something. Which Israel can crush in no time at all. Gaza's terrorists are fond of using missiles. All Israel has to do is show them what Israeli missiles can do. That will shut the terrorists down in no time at all. Once Gaza has been sufficiently neutralized, armor and infantry can come in and clean up whatever is left. It won't be much, though.

Excellent post. It is high time that we stopped worrying about whether the world likes us or not (they don't) and if we need to work on making them like us (we don't). Just do the necessary. Destroy those that seek to destroy you. The philosophy worked for the Allies in World War II, and for the U.S. against Japan in that same war. Do we want our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to have to exist with terrorist rabble the way we do? Or is it far better to get rid of the problem now, assert sovereignty over Gaza, Sinai and, if necessary, South Lebanon to the Litani -- and have the security of size, distance and terrorist scum who cower in fear from our wrath?

And should that happen, Israel will launch its vast arsenal of nuclear weapons, which will destroy a considerable portion of the world and render the rest of it uninhabitable for the next 100,000 years. The United States couldn't defeat Somalia. What chance would it have against Israel? But your scenario is ridiculous to begin with.

In order to maximise the effect of the Domes capability would it not be better to locate MULTIPLE BATTERIES say 3-5 in a protective arc around each location - much like cross fire effects of ground warfare So an enemy missile or rocket could trigger simultaneous multiple Dome responses especially to those rockets that are tracked to strike sensitive or urban concentrations?

We could probably buy an F35 jet or 20+ tanks for the cost of a single Iron Dome battery and that doesn't include the large stockpiles of interceptors the IDF needs to have in reserve which cost $50,000 a shot. The government is already slashing the military budget and so the IDF is making cuts all over the place so Can we afford to not buy some essential offensive hardware because of budget cuts and then buy even less of it so we can fund multiple Iron Dome batteries? I think if municipalities want Iron Dome then at least the richer towns & cities should should be at least 50% funded by local taxes because the IDF can't spend billions to protect every town and city that wants Iron Dome.

cannot take care of. It's up to Gazans, to play with us Beethoven or to play with our rockets. The real danger is not Gazans who like to play with rockets. The real danger is our youth favors same music when it comes to video games. Let's make sure we use more Iron Dome and use it for intended purpose. So that we can focus on the important staff.

Teheran will protect the World.

Iron Dome is not an "illusion". It is a very real and effective defense system. Calling it "illusion" is irresponsible and raises many questions about the author intention. However, the article is right on one point: having Iron Dome is NOT a solution to the bigger picture. The success of Israel depends on HOW this strategic advantage is put into practice. And the article is wrong again to assume to alrady know that this strategic advantage has been missed. I am sure that the "great minds" at Teheran, Gaza, Syria and Lebanon are worried and are hysterically trying to cope with the new reality. Iron Dome is a "Separation Fence" in the sky. Its real value, measured in SAVED LIVES, will be evident in the long run. Just as the Separation Fence reduced the suicide bombers penetration and attacks to virtually ZERO, Iron Dome, when properly and fully deployed, will reduce the effectiveness of the rocket attacks be they from Gaza, Lebanon or Syria and Iran, to an insignificant percentage. The next war will be very different, and once again, IDF will have more lattitude of attack, knowing that the homes are protected.

from Eilat? We are missing his smart and accurate comments on Ynet.