Tel Aviv
Israel has deployed a new missile defense system to protect against a possible Iraqi chemical attack. When Iraq fired Scuds at Israel during the Gulf War, Israel had only the Patriot defense system—designed to shoot down aircraft, not missiles—and 39 Scuds got through. At U.S. urging, Israel refrained from firing back. But it says next time it won’t be so forgiving, especially if Iraq tips its Scuds with chemical or biological agents. The $2 billion Arrow system, built with U.S. aid, won’t cover all of Israel for two more years, but it can already protect Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other large cities. Soldiers are practicing reloading the missile launchers while wearing gas masks and protective gear. After receiving warning of a launch in Iraq, they will have less than six minutes to target incoming missiles.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Selfies ban in art galleries: a sign of the times?Talking Point Priceless art has been damaged by visitors desperate to take a snap with star attractions, leading some galleries and museums to start fighting back
-
Quiz of The Week: 21 – 27 JuneHave you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
The Week Unwrapped: How do you turn plastics into paracetamol?Podcast Plus, what is the Wagner Group doing now? And why is it so hard to find a job after university?
