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As Israel continues its massacres in Gaza and escalates its attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, Tel Aviv has launched a major aggression on Lebanon, which by Tuesday evening had killed almost 600 people and injured thousands more.
Ali Abunimah discusses Israel's Iron Dome, an anti-rocket system that is made up of ground-based launchers that fire volleys of interceptors to shoot down incoming rockets, and asks the question of whether Lebanese resistance organization Hizballah can exhaust it.
This is a segment from The Electronic Intifada's day 355 livestream. Ali Abunimah, Nora Barrows-Friedman, Jon Elmer and Asa Winstanley were joined by Yousef Aljamal, YousefAljamal, a prolific writer and analyst, and the Gaza Coordinator for the Palestine Activism Program at AFSC.
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Edit: added summary below
Key Points:
- Iron Dome Functionality: The Iron Dome is designed primarily for short-range threats, but its effectiveness diminishes against large-scale assaults. This indicates the need for a diversified defense strategy in prolonged conflicts.
- Economic Implications: The high cost of Tamir interceptors poses significant financial challenges for Israel. This raises questions about the sustainability of the Iron Dome in extended warfare, as resources could rapidly deplete.
- Stockpile Limitations: Experts express concern about the limited number of interceptors available. In a scenario of continuous bombardment, Israel may face a critical shortage of interceptors, hindering its defensive capabilities.
- Hezbollah’s Tactical Advantage: By launching a high volume of cheaper missiles, Hezbollah could effectively exhaust the Iron Dome, demonstrating a strategic advantage in asymmetric warfare.
- Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Hezbollah’s use of low-flying missiles and targeting Iron Dome launchers showcases a tactical evolution that could compromise Israel’s defenses.
- Military Production Challenges: The U.S. military’s struggles with ammunition production mirror Israel’s challenges, highlighting a systemic issue within Western military-industrial complexes to produce effective, low-cost weaponry.
- Broader Defense Strategies: The ongoing situation emphasizes the necessity for innovative military strategies that balance cost, production capabilities, and technological effectiveness in modern warfare contexts.