Role of Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ (Air Defence System) and the measures taken by the Government

Iron Dome System (Credits : Rafael)

‘The Gaza Strip is a conflict zone in the southwestern part of Israel. It is a relatively small part of the 2 separate regions of Palestine. This region is under the control of the Islamic terrorist organisation Hamas. On 7th October 2023, around 6 a.m., hundreds of Hamas terrorists broke through the Israeli border fence in some villages in Israel adjacent to the Gaza Strip. Some terrorists broke through the strong border fence with bulldozers, some using paragliders, while some by sea infiltrated the border of Israel. At the same time, Hamas fired rockets from Gaza along the border into the central Israeli cities of Rehovot, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. Thus, Hamas attacked Israel on 2 fronts: the infiltration of terrorists into Israel in the border areas and rockets from Gaza on the rest of the Israeli cities.

1. The Iron Dome system destroyed 90% of the rockets in the air

Although there are reports that Hamas fired a total of 5,000 rockets since 7 a.m., the fact is that so many rockets were not fired at the same time. These were fired in phases from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. However, the Iron Dome, Israel’s unique system in the world, intercepted 90% of these 5,000 rockets and destroyed them in the air. The Iron Dome system works just as shown in the Ramayan and Mahabharat series, where an arrow shot by Ravan or Kauravas was accurately hit in mid-air by an arrow shot by Shriram or Pandavas. This system is deployed and is in operation throughout Israel. The remaining 10% of the rockets fell on buildings and cars in some places.

This system is so technologically advanced that if rockets land in unpopulated areas on desolate plains, they are not intercepted. After seeing the direction of rockets coming from Gaza in just a few seconds, the rocket is neutralised in mid-air by firing a missile from the Iron Dome in that direction. Along with this, sirens are sounded in the area towards which the rocket is heading, so that the people in those areas can take safe shelter meant to protect them from the rocket. A double robust system exists to ensure that people are not injured by rockets in the event of an accidental malfunction in the functioning of the Iron Dome.

2. Measures taken by the Government of Israel

A. On the morning of 7th October, when the situation started on the border, it took time for the initially laidback Israeli army to come to terms with the situation. Many soldiers were on leave. In the south, the troop deployment was insignificant. People from 22 villages contacted and told the army that terrorists were roaming freely outside their houses and firing. It took at least 7 hours for the Israeli Government and army to actually understand the situation and prepare a defense plan to move troops from other parts of the country to the south. During this time, there was a huge loss in southern Israel.

B. The Government then launched an air force counterattack on Hamas terrorist bases in Gaza, rescuing trapped civilians by shooting down the infiltrating terrorists.

C. Since every citizen in Israel is given military training, thousands of citizens were called up for this operation.

D. The ruling and opposition parties have come together to form an ‘Emergency Government’ to deal effectively with the situation. (Ever heard of this happening in India ? The opposition party representatives instead feel obliged to reprimand the Government, while some also encourage religious fanatics to disrupt law and order ! – Editor)

E. Israel supplies Gaza with food, water, and electricity. That supply has been completely shut off for the time being. The Israeli Prime Minister has asked ordinary citizens of Gaza to leave the place and go to other countries due to the Israeli airstrikes.

(Credits : Wall Street Journal)

3. What is the failure of the Israeli system ?

Despite the fact that the Israeli army makes the Israeli Government aware of such a threat from time to time, the Government remaining oblivious to such a serious matter, even the world-famous intelligence agency Mossad having no idea about this terrorist attack, the sensors and ‘electronic intelligence systems’ on the border failing to deliver, despite the fact that there are army tanks on dangerous borders like Gaza, not enough soldiers being deployed on them, and when terrorists stormed into homes, rescuers taking up to 7 hours to reach their homes despite victims calling for help by phone, are all embarrassing things for a country like Israel. There is no doubt that the Government, army, and people will take corrective action on it as soon as possible. But at this moment, no one is making accusations against each other, and everyone is focusing on taking the next steps together, it is something Indians should learn’.

– Samata Gokhale-Dandekar, Israel (8.10.2023)

Why was 7th October chosen as the day to attack Israel ?

‘50 years ago, Egypt and Syria had coordinated a similar attack on Israel on 6th October 1973 while the latter was unprepared. At that time, Israel simultaneously fought a war with Syria on the northern border and with Egypt on the southern border. That war lasted about two and a half weeks. Golda Meir was the Prime Minister of Israel at that time. Israel ultimately emerged victorious in this war. This war is known as the ‘Yom Kippur War’ in Israel. The same attack was carried out again on 7th October, taking advantage of the same day and the same opportunity of Israel being unprepared, experts said’.

– Samata Gokhale-Dandekar