Developed by the Israeli company RAFAEL, with support from the United States, who backed the project with a $200 million grant, the Iron Dome serves as a highly efficient missile defense system. Initially conceived as a response to rocket attacks during the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah, the system became operational in 2011, covering a range of 4 to 70 kilometers, it intercepts and neutralizes potential missile threats.Comprising of a radar for early detection and the Tamir missile for interception, the system automatically launches a counter-missile upon detecting an incoming threat. RAFAEL claims a 90% success rate in missile elimination, a claim echoed by officials from the US Department of Defense. However, its effectiveness may diminish during large-scale attacks, as observed in the Hamas assault on October 7th, which managed to overwhelm the system, when Hamas launched around 5,000 rockets in approximately 20 minutes to subdue the Israeli anti-missile system, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.

While the Iron Dome has significantly reduced civilian casualties in various regions of Israel, Amnesty International highlights unequal accessibility to protection, particularly affecting Bedouin communities in Tarabin. These communities lack acknowledgment from the Israeli government and lack the means to access bomb shelters or defense mechanisms.This disparity contradicts the original purpose of the Iron Dome, created as a defensive mechanism to protect people and infrastructure from missile attacks, not as an offensive weapon. Its objective is to minimize damage and civilian casualties in conflict situations, positioning it as a protection-oriented solution rather than an offensive one.

However, challenges include improving its effectiveness and reducing costs, given that a single Iron Dome missile costs $50,000. An alternative, the Iron Beam, functions with a high-energy laser and boasts benefits such as swift engagement, an unlimited magazine, and minimal launch costs. Tested successfully in March 2022, it proved capable of neutralizing various threats, including drones, mortar rounds, rockets, and anti-tank missiles.The Iron Beam presents a cost-effective alternative, with each shot costing $2,000, a significant reduction compared to the Iron Dome’s Tamir missile. This becomes crucial when considering the potential of mass rocket launches during conflict.

In addressing evolving threats, the Iron Dome and Iron Beam mark pioneering achievements in defense technology. While the Iron Dome safeguards civilian lives and infrastructure, concerns about unequal access underscore the need for equitable defense strategies. As advancements in defense technologies continue, it is essential to ensure inclusivity, granting every community access to the protection it requires. This approach can contribute to building a safer and more secure world.