Defense Minister Katz Warns Israeli Opponents, Laser Iron Beam Soon To Operate

Israeli Defense Minister Katz visited Rafael Leshem Institute. (Source: Shira Kinen/Defense Ministry)

JAKARTA - Israeli Defense Minister Katz warned Israeli enemies against testing the country's strong defense capabilities, insisting Iron Beam laser interception systems were close to operating during a visit to defense technology company Rafael.

"Our enemies must know and understand clearly we have many ways to give a decisive blow. If they raise their hands against Israel again the hand will be cut off," Defense Minister Katz said while visiting Rafael, reported by The Times of Israel March 16.

The advanced Iron Beam technology, which uses lasers to intercept rockets and drones at a much cheaper cost than Iron Dome, will be implemented later this year, according to the Ministry of Defense.

"The laser system is a future weapon, capable of neutralizing the entire threat layer with extraordinary and continuously improved results. Israelis need this protection," Defense Minister Katz said.

Iron Beam is not meant to replace Israel's Iron Dome or other air defense systems, but to equip and equip it, shoot down smaller projectiles and leave larger projectiles for more powerful missile-based batteries such as the David's Sling and Arrow systems.

According to the Ministry of Defense, Iron Beam did not run out of ammunition as long as there was an energy source.

The Defense Minister praised the important technologies developed by Rafael, such as Iron Dome and David's Sling, which have protected Israelis from air threats over the past year and a half, the Ministry of Defense said.

The Israeli side said that since the latest conflict broke out in the Gaza Strip, Palestine on October 7, 2023, more than 26.000 rockets, missiles, and drones have been launched into Israel from various terrains.