Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system could be overwhelmed if Hezbollah joins the war between the country and Hamas, a former Israel Defence Forces general tells Daily Express US.
The terror group’s attack on Israeli territory saw 1,300 civilians killed and ramped up the conflict.
Israel has now bombarded Gaza and imposed a siege on the enclave. Over 2,600 Gazans have been killed as a result.
While Israel tries to deal with the threat of Hamas, it has another longstanding enemy in the form of Hezbollah – a terror group based in Lebanon.
Like Hamas, Hezbollah receives financial support from Israel’s main adversary on the international front – Iran.
As concern grows that Hezbollah may join the war, a retired brigadier-general who served in various intelligence posts in the Israel Defence Forces has told Daily Express US that Hezbollah could pose a big threat to Israel.
He says the country’s Iron Dome missile defence system may not be able to thwart rockets from both Hamas and Hezbollah simultaneously.
Mr Brom said: “Israel is most concerned about a full conflict with Hezbollah. They have the greatest ability to harm Israel because of its proximity.
“I am very much concerned about their threat because they have many thousands of rockets and missiles.
“It is true in principle [that the Iron Dome could be overwhelmed]. Every system has a capability to engage a certain number of targets.”
However, Mr Brom believes Israel will also be able to strike big blows against Hezbollah if required.
He continued: “We have additional layers of defense. We will fight Hezbollah and attack them too if this is necessary. We can to some extent diminish their threat.
“There are other layers of defense. In comparison to Ukraine for instance, our civilians are much better protected.”
On Monday, Hezbollah opened fire with light arms at a number of Israeli military posts on the border between the two countries.
The IDF said no soldiers were hurt in the skirmish.
IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Monday morning that Hezbollah would face a “deadly” response if these kinds of attacks continue.
He said: “Hezbollah carried out a number of attacks yesterday in order to try to divert our operational efforts [away from the Gaza Strip], under the direction and backing of Iran, while endangering the state of Lebanon and its citizens.
“We have increased our forces on the northern border and will respond aggressively to any activity against us.
“If Hezbollah dares to test us, the reaction will be deadly. The United States is giving us full backing.”
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