US to Send Two Iron Dome Missile Defense Systems to Israel Amid Hamas Attacks

US provides two crucial missile defense systems to Israel amidst constant rocket attacks from Hamas, further bolstering security aid to Israel following the devastating October 7th attacks that claimed over 1,400 lives.

The U.S. Department of Defense is planning to send two Iron Dome missile defense systems to assist Israel amid ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas. The Iron Dome, an advanced rocket-defense system activated by Israel in 2011, has intercepted thousands of rockets fired by militants within the Gaza Strip.
Since the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas that killed approximately 1,400 Israelis, the militant group has launched over 7,000 rockets toward Israel. This marks the most serious conflict between Israel and Hamas since the latter seized power in Gaza back in 2007.
Despite the Iron Dome's overall effectiveness of approximately 90%, the system can get overwhelmed if a high volume of rockets are fired simultaneously, allowing some to get through. This has resulted in at least 11 fatalities and damage to buildings as far away as Tel Aviv.
The Iron Dome system was jointly created by Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and American defense contractor Raytheon. Each battery consists of a radar, a command-and-control system, and interceptor launchers. If the radar deems a rocket is heading toward a populated area, a missile is launched to intercept and destroy the rocket.
The added Iron Dome systems underline the U.S.'s increasing support to Israel, coming in the wake of other aid including air defense supplies, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and precision-guided munitions. In addition, President Biden has pledged continued U.S. support and asked Congress for $14.3 billion in security aid for Israel.