Barak: Don't lose sight of Syria
Photo: Ariel Yarozolimsky
Barak: Arrow gives Israel leverage in talks
Defense minister details Israel's 'multi-layered defenses' against rockets from Gaza, Lebanon
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Tuesday that Israel's Arrow missile defense system, once completed, would "change the picture and be a necessary condition for a peace accord that is stable, due to deterrence".
Speaking at the international Euro-Space conference near Ben Gurion International Airport, Barak stressed Israel's need for defense systems in any negotiations for peace with its neighbors.
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"Any threat that could disrupt normal life must be neutralized," he said. "This effort is an addition to a multi-layered concept: Iron Dome as an answer to short-range (artillery), Magic Wand for the middle layer, the Arrow as it is today and Arrow 3."
Barak then questioned whether these defenses were sufficient. "This must rely on strong intelligence and control systems, coordinated planning and operations, and intelligent ties, especially with the Americans, some of which were tested during a very extensive drill. Together with home front preparation, this system can reach its optimal point," he said.
He said anti-rocket defenses were Israel's top priority, but that at the moment the multi-layered system had a capacity of 85%. "Once the system works 100% of the time, we will have true defense of the home front and more leverage in talks," Barak added.
"We must move forward in negotiations and reach a settlement with the Palestinians. We mustn't lose touch with the Syrian front. Syria is very important for stability in the Middle East."
Regarding the armament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza the defense minister said, "When we left Lebanon there were 7,000 rockets. 4,000 were fired upon us. Now they have more than 40,000 rockets… This provides a serious challenge."
