Iron Dome missile defense system likely to be ready by 2010

An analysis of Katyusha rockets fired by Hezbollah during the Second Lebanon War of 2006 showed that only 1,000 rockets (25 percent of all rockets launched) landed in populated areas. Rafael says that if Iron Dome had been operational at the time of the war, the majority of those missiles could have been shot down at a cost of tens of millions shekels, a negligible amount when compared to the loss of life, destruction of property and strategic damage actually caused by Hezbollah.

For full article, visit http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1077218.html

Paul Wood: Analysis – Operation Miscast Lead?

Israel's doctrine was 'go crazy' in the name of deterrence - but rockets still come

As Israeli commentator Ofer Shelah put it: “In the face of enemies who have opted for a strategy of attrition and attacking from a distance, Israel will present itself as a ‘crazy country’, the kind that will respond (albeit after a great deal of time) in a massive and unfettered assault, with no proportion to the amount of casualties it has endured.”

Certainly, there was massive bombing of Gaza; some 1,300 Palestinians lives were lost, many civilians.

From Israel’s point of view, did it work? The answer must be, only partially.

For full article, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7940624.stm

PA: Israel attempting to deport six prisoners

Minister of Prisoners Affairs Ashraf Al-Ajrami told Ma’an that the six are currently held in the prison in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, north of Gaza. Some of them have already completed their sentences but have not been released yet.

Palestinian Prisoners

For full article visit http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=36755

Rocket attack breaks 10 days of quiet

“The latest rocket struck an open area south of Ashkelon, causing no casualties or damage. No terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the incident. Residents of nearby areas heard warning sirens shortly before the rocket landed.”

Source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1237727527689&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull