Is Israel’s Iron Dome Falling Short Against Iranian Threats?🛡️

Israel’s Iron Dome Faces Unprecedented Test Amid Iranian Missile Barrages

Over the past eight days, Israel’s renowned air defence network, the Iron Dome, has faced one of its most severe tests yet, contending with repeated waves of Iranian missile barrages. As the conflict enters its eighth day, concerns are mounting over whether the system can continue to withstand sustained pressure.

Fresh Iranian Strikes Intensify the Conflict💥

On Thursday, Iran confirmed a fresh round of coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting military sites in Haifa and Tel Aviv, intensifying fears that Israel’s defences may be reaching their limits, according to Al Jazeera.

On June 19, these attacks reportedly struck four sites, including Soroka Hospital in southern Israel, triggering swift retaliatory airstrikes aimed at what Israel believes are Iranian-linked nuclear facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared he would not rule out targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, while Defence Minister Israel Katz directly accused Khamenei of orchestrating the attack on the hospital.

Is the Iron Dome Failing?🛡️

Amid emerging footage showing some missiles evading interception, questions have arisen about whether the Iron Dome is beginning to fail.

Speaking to NDTV, retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi, chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF), acknowledged the strain on the system but insisted it remains largely effective. He stressed that Israel’s defence is not reliant solely on the Iron Dome.

“Ballistic missiles, especially long-range ones, are mainly intercepted by the Arrow 3 system,” he said, referring to Israel’s space-based defence shield, which he claimed maintains a success rate exceeding 90%.

“No defence system can guarantee 100% interception,” he cautioned, urging civilians to take shelter when alerts are issued.

What’s Next for Israel’s Defence?🔍

When asked whether Israel must start planning for a future beyond the Iron Dome, Avivi rejected the idea, saying the country’s multi-layered defence strategy is still robust and dependable.

“Israel is systematically dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities,” he claimed, adding that while Iran intended to fire hundreds of ballistic missiles, Israeli counterattacks have destroyed more than 40% of its launchers, severely undermining Tehran’s offensive capacity.

As Iran’s missile salvos continue to test Israel’s defensive resilience, Avivi maintained that the Iron Dome — despite immense pressure — remains a critical line of defence, for now.

White House Weighs 

Meanwhile, the White House announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump would decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will intervene directly in the Israel-Iran conflict, while emphasising that diplomatic channels remain open.