Israel’s Defense Ministry announced Wednesday that it had carried out successful testing of an improved version of the Iron Dome anti-missile system.

The tests, which were carried out in southern Israel over recent days, are part of a program of annual testing conducted by the Defense Ministry and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The tests deployed the newly-developed Tamir interceptor missile, a joint U.S.-Israeli project. They also tested the ability of the Iron Dome to intercept a variety of targets fired simultaneously at different ranges.

The Iron Dome defense system provides protection from short-range rockets, typically from Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The recent tests would appear to tackle concerns that the system could be overwhelmed by a large number of simultaneous rockets being fired.

Alongside the Arrow-2, Arrow-3,and David’s Sling systems, the Iron Dome is part of Israel’s layered aerial defense system, which is being developed in coordination with the United States. While the Iron Dome provides protection from short-range threats, the Arrow and David’s Sling systems guard against mid- and long-range missiles. Together, these systems aim to provide Israel with a protective umbrella to counter all forms of ballistic threats.

Also on Wednesday, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot told the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that although Hezbollah was gaining operational experience fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, it was suffering from a “financial and morale crisis” following large deployment and heavy losses. “Few wish to pay a price in blood,” he reportedly commented.

Eisenkot’s assessment came days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that if Israel attacks, his group will target Haifa’s ammonia plant and Dimona’s nuclear reactor.

Channel Ten reported that Eisenkot also assessed that “I don’t see a willingness in Gaza to launch a campaign against us,” despite that fact that Yahya Sinwar, who has a reputation for an unrestrained military approach, was recently appointed Hamas leader in Gaza.

(via BICOM)

[Photo: Israel Defense Forces / WikiCommons ]