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As North Korea threatens to fire a second rocket, and Iran launches satellites into space, Israel is preparing to defend itself from missile attacks. (Source)

UPI reports that Israel’s air force reservists who operate Arrow and Patriot missile defense systems are gearing up. An unidentified Israeli official said, “We are working hard to be ready for the Iranian threat…We are preparing for barrages, split warheads and other surprises and therefore we need to retain a high operational level by everyone, including reservists.”

Despite assurances from North Korea and Iran about their “peaceful” and “scientific” launches, only the willfully obtuse would believe these claims and remain complacent. Israel and other countries that want to survive and keep citizens safe understand what’s at stake.

 
Israel is set to receive much-needed help from the U.S. to develop its missile defense system so that country can protect itself against possible threats in the region.
 
We’ve blogged about the U.S. and Israel working together to develop Arrow-3, an advanced ballistic missile defense system. The new generation system will be designed to destroy multiple-warhead missiles and decoys. Israel wants to prepare to defend itself in case of attacks from countries like North Korea , Iran, and Syria. According to Jane’s Information Group, U.S. aid will include $750 million until the ballistic missile defense system is operational.
 
Syria and Iran
 
We noted that despite rumors Syria may acquire a missile defense system from Russia, Israel is still interested in negotiating peace with the Muslim country. Yesterday, however, Syria’s president said that if Israel attacks Iran , it “would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world.”
 
Israel may preemptively strike Iran’s nuclear facilities for fear the country will obtain an atomic weapon. (The U.S. and Israel believe Iran wants to build atomic bombs.) According to the AFP, Iran would retaliate by deploying Shahab-3 missiles, long-range weapons capable of reaching Israel. Meanwhile, Iran is denying that it bought missiles from Russia. Israel reported that Iran could have these advanced weapons by the end of the year. 

Unfortunately, “peace in the Middle East ” is a far-off dream.

(Sources: Jane’s Information Group, AFP, and Reuters)

Israel and the U.S. will jointly develop Arrow-3, an advanced ballistic missile defense system. According to Middle East Newsline, the Arrow-3 is a new generation system that will be designed to destroy multiple-warhead missiles and decoys. This joint effort was revealed last week when Henry Obering, director of the Missile Defense Agency, visited Israel.
 
Two weeks ago, we wrote that the U.S. was considering deploying missile defense radar to Israel. Robert Gates, secretary of the Department of Defense, said the two countries would explore the possibility of sharing missile early warning launch information and funding two projects that would defend against short-range rockets and mortars.

(Photo credit: Israel-Weapons.com)