Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday (1/2) announced Israel would
accelerate the rollout of a new defense system utilizing laser technology.
This new system is considered to be more cost efficient.
"Within a year the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will already be deploying
laser-based interception systems, first experimentally, and then
operationally, first in the south, then elsewhere," Bennett said.
This laser-based defense system was basically created to intercept drones or
the types of rockets often used by Iran-backed insurgents. Israel initially
predicted the technology would be ready for action by 2025.
The southern area of Israel is a priority for the Bennett government
because it is the point where Gaza is located. From that area, Hamas and
other militant groups regularly fire on Israeli border towns.
Speaking at the Tel Aviv University Institute for National Security Studies
forum, Bennett plans to deploy this laser defense system throughout Israel
in the future.
"This will allow us, over time, to surround Israel with a laser wall that
will protect us from missiles, rockets, UAVs and other threats," Bennett
continued.
Currently Bennett emphasizes Israel's efforts to deal with the threat of
Iranian insurgents who continue to be considered capable of crippling
Israeli infrastructure with relatively inexpensive attacks.
Israel's main air defense still relies on the Iron Dome, David's Sling and
Arrow missile systems, which are costly to operate. Fighting cheap Iranian
insurgent drones and rockets with an expensive Iron Dome will clearly
continue to cost Israel economically.
"If we can intercept a missile or rocket with a pulse of electricity that
costs a few dollars, we can neutralize the destruction Iran is preparing to
do. We can also help our colleagues in the region who also feel the same
threat," Bennett said.
According to Reuters, Israel's current missile defense systems can cost tens
of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars each.
The laser-based defense system that is currently being developed is said to
be more cost-effective so that it can allow Israel to more freely channel
its budget to other sectors.
