Israeli defensive capabilities have significantly mitigated the impact of Iranian missile attacks, with experts hailing the country’s layered defense system as critical in preventing ‘far greater destruction.’ The Institute for National Security Studies’ Dr. Yehoshua Kalisky recently noted that as of Saturday, approximately 95% of the ballistic missiles launched toward Israel were intercepted, according to his analysis.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, estimated that as of Tuesday, only 20 out of the 380 Iranian ballistic missiles sent into Israeli airspace successfully penetrated Israel’s defenses. The Israeli military reported that another 20 missiles were fired on Tuesday, with five managing to reach Israeli territory without causing fatalities. These figures underscore the effectiveness of Israel’s defensive systems in countering Iran’s persistent missile threats.
According to Taleblu, the barrage of missiles follows the pattern established in 2024, where the covert conflict between Israel and Iran intensified. The attacks are part of an effort by Iran to target civilian population centers, a strategy aimed at eroding Israel’s resolve in its campaign against Iranian military sites. ‘There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to say that these waves are getting progressively smaller,’ Taleblu stated.
Israel’s layered defense includes a range of advanced systems, such as the Magen Or, which employs laser technology to intercept UAVs. Additionally, the U.S. has deployed its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel, which can intercept missiles at altitudes up to 150 km. Kalisky highlighted that THAAD’s ability to detect and neutralize targets up to 3,000 km away enhances Israel’s defensive capabilities.
Other systems, such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 2, and Arrow 3, form a multi-tiered defense network, each targeting different ranges and types of threats. The naval C-dome system protects strategic maritime assets, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Despite Iran’s efforts, Israel has managed to destroy a third of Iran’s missile launchers, according to a recent IDF statement.
Taleblu warned that while the conflict may militarily neuter Iran over time, the regime remains a threat. ‘Quantity has a quality of its own,’ he said, referring to the Iranian missile arsenal’s capability to strike civilian targets, causing significant disruption. ‘Indicating why a regime like this should not be in possession of the biggest ballistic missile arsenal in the region and shall not be permitted to fill up [with] nuclear weapons,’ he concluded.
As of Tuesday, 24 Israelis were reported killed and over 500 injured, underscoring the ongoing risk posed by Iran’s missile attacks. The conflict continues to escalate, with both nations engaging in counter-strike operations under a broader regional context.