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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Hezbollah’s use of low-flying missiles and targeting Iron Dome launchers showcases a tactical evolution that could compromise Israel’s defenses.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.