Israel Uses New Missile System, Technologies in its War on Gaza

Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza (AFP)
Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza (AFP)
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Israel Uses New Missile System, Technologies in its War on Gaza

Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza (AFP)
Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza (AFP)

The Israeli army has employed various new weapons and technologies in its war on Gaza, including the highly effective "David's Sling" missile defense system, according to senior military sources in Tel Aviv.

The use of this new system is in line with Israel's ongoing pursuit of innovative military capabilities. It aligns with the commercial interests of Israeli government arms companies seeking to expand their weapons sales.

In previous years, the Israeli army conducted extensive or limited military operations once every three or four years, with specific goals, including introducing soldiers to practical training for direct warfare and conducting experiments on the performance of new weapons or ammunition.

However, since 2014, the army slowed the frequency of such operations due to tensions with Benjamin Netanyahu on several issues.

Military leaders were concerned the war would be harnessed to serve Netanyahu's interests and his battle with the judiciary.

In recent months, the army came under fire from the far right for its reluctance to launch a military operation.

Critics accused military leaders of cowardice and abandoning the fighting doctrine claiming they were lenient with Hamas and the Gaza Strip.

While the military believed that engaging in war could distract attention from mass protests against Netanyahu, this recent conflict has allowed experimentation with new weaponry and combat tools.

The security sources said the army employed alternative combat methods against Jihad in Gaza, including enhanced monitoring and communication devices.

The new methods facilitated efficient coordination between the army and intelligence, resulting in the simultaneous assassination of three Jihad leaders. Netanyahu claimed the operation was done within two seconds only.

Additionally, the Israeli forces used new advanced drones to assassinate Jihad leaders and strike several underground targets.

David's Sling mid-range air defense missile system was successfully deployed in operations.

It is designed to shoot down rockets fired from 100 km to 200 km (62 to 124 miles) away and is part of Israel's shield that already includes short-range Iron Dome and long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 missiles.

David's Sling became operational in 2017. It is designed to intercept short-range ballistic missiles, larger-caliber rockets, cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones.

It uses the Stunner missile with a reported range of 25-186 miles (40-300 km) to hit its target, defeating them with kinetic force.

During the conflict, the system intercepted a Palestinian missile Wednesday over Tel Aviv's airspace, leading Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to describe the operation as "a success."



Israeli Military Says it Struck 'Key' Hamas Figure in Lebanon's Tripoli

People gather near a damaged car after the Israeli military said in a statement that it struck a "key" figure from Palestinian militant group Hamas, in Ayrounieh, northern Lebanon July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Walid Saleh
People gather near a damaged car after the Israeli military said in a statement that it struck a "key" figure from Palestinian militant group Hamas, in Ayrounieh, northern Lebanon July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Walid Saleh
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Israeli Military Says it Struck 'Key' Hamas Figure in Lebanon's Tripoli

People gather near a damaged car after the Israeli military said in a statement that it struck a "key" figure from Palestinian militant group Hamas, in Ayrounieh, northern Lebanon July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Walid Saleh
People gather near a damaged car after the Israeli military said in a statement that it struck a "key" figure from Palestinian militant group Hamas, in Ayrounieh, northern Lebanon July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Walid Saleh

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had struck "key" figure from Palestinian militant group Hamas near the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, the first targeted killing in the area for several months.

In a statement, Israel's military did not give the identity of the targeted person. There was no immediate comment from Hamas.

Lebanese state media said a car had been hit near Tripoli and the health ministry reported two people were killed and three others wounded, without identifying them, Reuters reported.

Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups maintain a presence in various areas of Lebanon, mostly in camps that have housed displaced Palestinians for decades.

Since Hamas' cross-border attack from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel in 2023, Israel has carried out targeted strikes on Lebanese armed group Hezbollah as well as members of Palestinian factions in Lebanon.

Hamas' deputy chief was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs in early 2024, and other strikes hit Palestinian camps in northern Lebanon.

A US-brokered ceasefire last year ended the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, though Israel has continued to carry out strikes on what it says are Hezbollah arms depots and fighters, mostly in southern Lebanon.

Tuesday's strike near Tripoli was the first time a targeted assassination had taken place in the area since the truce.

Meanwhile, US envoy Thomas Barrack continued a two-day visit to Lebanon to discuss disarming Hezbollah and other militant groups.