Tel Aviv [Israel], December 30: President Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
AFP reported yesterday, December 29th, that the Israeli Air Force has just received a new air defense laser system called Iron Beam, intended to supplement its traditional defense systems. Speaking at the handover ceremony on December 28th, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed: "For the first time in the world, a high-power air defense laser system has reached combat readiness and successfully intercepted targets multiple times." Minister Katz emphasized that this is a tremendous achievement, and also helps Israel send a deterrent message to all its adversaries.
Yuval Steinitz, president of Rafael Defence Group in Israel, the company that has been developing the Iron Beam system for over 10 years, said that Israel is the first country in the world to put into operation a laser system capable of practical use. Israeli media revealed that the Iron Beam laser will be integrated into Israel 's multi-layered Iron Dome air defense network . During the conflict between Israel and Iran in June, Tel Aviv admitted that its air defense system failed to stop all of Tehran's missiles and rockets fired into its territory, and Israel was hit by more than 50 missiles.
Laser weapons would help engage targets at close range more cheaply, reducing the need for expensive missiles to neutralize small targets. Anti-aircraft lasers would virtually never run out of ammunition if continuously powered. However, a drawback of this system is that it is not effective in conditions of limited visibility or bad weather, according to The Times of Israel.
The Israeli military's defense upgrade comes amid escalating tensions between Tel Aviv and its regional rivals. Israeli forces have recently clashed with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite a ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military has also attacked Hezbollah members in Lebanon.
In related developments, Reuters reported on December 29th that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida. This was the Israeli leader's fifth visit to the US to meet with Trump this year. The two sides were expected to discuss plans for implementing phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as well as the situations in Iran and Lebanon.
Observers believe this meeting could be an opportunity for Washington to gain leverage to accelerate negotiations on the Gaza agreement, which are showing signs of stagnation. According to the Associated Press, some provisions of the US-proposed Gaza plan are not supported by Israeli leaders. Negotiations are difficult as Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Tel Aviv also maintains its position demanding complete disarmament from Hamas, a demand the armed group opposes.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
