Iron Dome missile defense system
Photo: Avi Roccah
A day before the beginning of the school year, the Air Force began deploying parts of the Iron Dome missile defense system near the city of Ashdod, in preparation for its final operational deployment.
IDF confirmed that the deployment of the battery has begun, but refrained from giving details as to its exact location.
Read more on Iron Dome:
- Iron Dome intercepts rocket fired at south
- Head to head: Is our deterrence gone?
- Political source: We cannot rush into war
Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who announced Monday that the battery will be stationed in Ashdod within 10 days, lauded Chief of Staff Major-General Benny Gantz and the security establishment for successfully deploying a third Iron Dome battery ahead of schedule.
"I want to congratulate all the elements involved for successfully deploying a third Iron Dome battery prior to the beginning of the school year. The third battery is part of the national emergency plan that was declared a few weeks ago and gives the residents of Israel tangible protection from rockets and missiles."
Ashdod Mayor Yehiel Lasri said "undoubtedly, the timing for the deployment of the Iron Dome at the start of the school year is good news and helps the residents' sense of security.
"However," Lasri added, "It is important to continue following the instructions of Home Front Command in the event of a rocket attack."
The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated the "the Iron Dome system is still in its initial operational stages. The location of the battery is determined by qualified officials and is in accordance with the volatile security situation."
- Follow Ynetnews
on Facebook
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop