Israel Could Stop New Hamas Rockets

TEL AVIV [MENL] -- Israel's new Iron Dome rocket and missile defense system could protect the Jewish state from Hamas's extended-range weapons, a report
said.

The report by the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies said Iron Dome, expected to be deployed in 2010, would result in a major dent in Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.

The report, authored by former Israeli Defense Ministry official Uzi Rubin, asserted that Iron Dome could intercept Hamas's new arsenal of upgraded Chinese-origin BM-21 Grad rockets, with a range of 40 kilometers.

"Some dispute Iron Dome's ability to intercept Qassams, whose short range of 6-10 kilometers accounts for minimal flight time," the report said.

"However, none dispute that the system can intercept Grads, whose flight range of 30-40 kilometers has a fairly long flight time."