Iran Attacked Israel with Over 100 Ballistic Missiles: What is the Iron Dome and David’s Sling?
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched a large-scale ballistic missile attack on Israel, targeting key military installations, including Mossad’s headquarters and three military bases, in retaliation for Israel’s assassination of key figures, including Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that 80% of the missiles hit their intended targets, dealing severe damage to Israel’s defense infrastructure, including the destruction of up to 20 F-35 jets at Israeli airbases. Israel, however, has not officially acknowledged the full extent of the damage.
This missile barrage marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, as the attack followed Israel’s intense retaliation on Gaza after Hamas launched an attack on October 7, 2024, killing civilians in Israel. The aftermath of these events has brought attention to Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, which played a crucial role in intercepting many of the incoming threats from Iran.
Why did Iran Attack on Israel with Ballistic missiles.
Iran’s missile attack on Israel came as a direct response to the assassination of high-profile Iranian-aligned figures. The Iranian regime condemned the killings of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, and Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas chief, both of whom had been pivotal in leading resistance movements against Israel. In the days leading up to the missile strikes, Iran had issued warnings, and the IRGC promised a powerful response.
Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack, also fueled the escalation. After the Hamas attack, which resulted in the death of Israeli civilians, Israel launched a brutal counter-offensive on Gaza. More than 40,000 Palestinian civilians were reportedly killed, including many women and children. Israel’s military targeted residential buildings, hospitals, and infrastructure, drawing international criticism for violating international laws, particularly the principles of proportionality and distinction in armed conflict.
In the words of IRGC officials, the missile strikes on Israel were aimed at military targets not Israeli civilians, with claims of direct hits on Mossad headquarters, three airbases, and the destruction of 20 F-35 fighter jets. These statements, however, have been downplayed by Israeli authorities, who have yet to confirm the full extent of the damage. Despite this, the attack highlighted vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defenses, even as systems like the Iron Dome and David’s Sling worked to mitigate the damage.
What is the Iron Dome?
The Iron Dome is one of the most well-known missile defense systems globally developed by the United States of America, designed to intercept short-range rockets, artillery shells, and mortars. Here’s how it works:
- Purpose: It targets incoming projectiles fired from distances ranging from 4 to 70 kilometers.
- How It Works: Once a projectile is detected, the Iron Dome radar calculates its trajectory and decides whether it poses a threat to populated areas or critical infrastructure. If so, an interceptor missile is launched to neutralize the threat mid-air.
- Success Rate: The Iron Dome is renowned for its high success rate, often intercepting over 90% of incoming missiles. It has been in operation since 2011, protecting Israeli cities from numerous rocket barrages, particularly from Hamas in Gaza.
During the October 1, 2024 attack, the Iron Dome played a key role in intercepting missiles launched by Iran, although the sheer number of missiles overwhelmed its capacity, which led to damage in certain areas of Israel.
What is David’s Sling?
The David’s Sling missile defense system is another vital layer in Israel’s air defense strategy, designed to counter threats that the Iron Dome cannot handle, such as medium- to long-range missiles and drones:
- Purpose: David’s Sling is intended to defend against a broader range of threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as long-range rockets.
- How It Works: It uses a two-stage interceptor called the Stunner, designed to neutralize incoming missiles at higher altitudes and longer distances than the Iron Dome can reach.
- Operational Since: Deployed in 2017, David’s Sling complements the Iron Dome and Arrow systems to provide a multi-layered defense against various threats.
During the Iranian missile barrage, David’s Sling was activated to intercept longer-range missiles that might have targeted military installations and strategic sites deeper within Israel.
Iran’s IRGC claims on attack
Following the attack, both sides made strong statements. Iran’s IRGC declared the operation a success, stating that 80% of the missiles hit their intended targets. In a televised statement, Iranian officials mentioned that Israel’s military airbases, including one north of Tel Aviv, were struck, and 20 F-35 jets were destroyed, crippling Israel’s air capabilities.
Israel, on the other hand, disputed these claims, with Israeli military spokespersons asserting that their defense systems effectively intercepted many of the incoming missiles. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and warned of severe retaliation. He declared that Iran had made a “big mistake” and vowed to act at a time of Israel’s choosing.
Additionally, the United States, which has a vested interest in Israel’s security, pledged defensive support and sent reinforcements to the region. In the wake of the attack, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated the US’s “ironclad commitment” to Israel’s defense and warned Iran against further escalation.
International Law and Criticism of Israel’s Response in Gaza
Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza following the Hamas attack have led to accusations of war crimes from international organizations. The sheer scale of destruction in Gaza, where entire neighborhoods have been leveled, and the high civilian death toll, has drawn widespread condemnation.
- Casualties: Over 40,000 civilians, more than 50 % are children and women, have reportedly died in Gaza since the conflict escalated.
- Targeting Civilians: Humanitarian groups have accused Israel of disproportionately targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings.
- International Law Violations: Israel’s tactics have been criticized for violating international humanitarian law, which mandates that warring parties must distinguish between military targets and civilians.
Despite the ongoing conflict, neither side appears willing to back down. Iran remains steadfast in its retaliation narrative, while Israel continues its efforts to suppress threats from both Gaza and Iran.
READ MORE
Can My Phone Be Hacked, and How to Detect It? A Complete Guide to Phone Hacking and Prevention
Unbelievable plan how Mukesh Ambani surprised airtel and Vodafone idea
Mukesh Ambani shocked Airtel and VI with new cheapest prepaid plan
Ratan Tata Passed Away on October 10, 2024, in Mumbai: India Lost an Industrialist, a Star, and an Emotion
