— Israel’s defense minister says the military has activated a new missile-defense system for the first time, and officials believe it successfully shot down an incoming Palestinian rocket.
Ehud Barak said the Iron Dome fired at a rocket launched from Gaza. He said it appeared to have scored a direct hit, though officials were still waiting for final confirmation. See TIME’s video “Israel’s Lonesome Doves.”
The Israel-developed Iron Dome system has raised hopes in Israel that the army can find a solution to halt years of Palestinian rocket fire.
Israel deployed the first Iron Dome battery just a few weeks ago as tensions with Gaza militants were rising. Officials have warned the technology is young, and the system will not fully protect Israeli cities.
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