Iron Dome may not be effective against Hezbollah's arsenal: CNN
3 Min Read
US officials' concerns stem from Hezbollah's significant arsenal of missiles and drones, which include precision-guided munitions.
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A screengrab from a video posted by the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon depicting the moment an Iron Dome missile launching platform was hit with an Almas Missile (Military Media of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon)
There is growing apprehension among US officials that Hezbollah could overwhelm "Israel's" Iron Dome system, CNN reported on Thursday. These fears have been conveyed by Israeli officials to their US counterparts amid preparations for a possible land and air offensive into Lebanon.
"We assess that at least some" Iron Dome batteries "will be overwhelmed," a senior US administration official, along with two others who requested anonymity, told CNN.
The concern stems from Hezbollah's significant arsenal of missiles and drones, which include precision-guided munitions.
Israeli officials have expressed surprise at the sophistication of Hezbollah's recent strikes, particularly after footage circulated online showing a drone damaging an Iron Dome battery earlier this month.
And here's the photo of Iron Dome launcher that was hit by Hezbollah. https://t.co/3dsMSkgXe3 pic.twitter.com/A7qVHsz1fI
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 6, 2024
While the Israeli military denied any system damage, Israeli officials reportedly believe that Hezbollah's capabilities pose a genuine threat, particularly in northern regions.
The Resistance's ability to deploy large numbers of precision-guided weapons remains a primary concern for "Israel's" security strategy.
Read more: Hezbollah drones constitute 'new generation of unconventional threats'
Amid escalating tensions, US officials stressed the critical role of additional air defense systems and replenishments for the Iron Dome in potential conflict scenarios.
The US has already invested a staggering $2.9 billion in "Israel's" Iron Dome program.
"The fact that we have managed to even hold the front for this long has been a miracle," a senior US official told CNN.
The implications of a broader conflict between "Israel" and the Lebanese Resistance are daunting, with Hezbollah's arsenal estimated to include approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles, some with long-range precision capabilities that could reach deep into Israeli territory.
US diplomatic efforts led by envoy Amos Hochstein have sought to mitigate tensions. However, recent cross-border hostilities and heightened rhetoric suggest a precarious situation that could rapidly escalate.
Read more: Israeli media: Hochstein returned from Lebanon in state of 'pessimism'
Israeli officials have signaled readiness for military action, aiming to create a buffer zone and facilitate the return of evacuated Israelis in northern areas, according to CNN.
While acknowledging "Israel's" security concerns, US officials have expressed reservations about the potential for a wider conflict and its regional ramifications.
They have warned of unintended consequences, including the risk of drawing in other regional players and threatening stability in the Middle East.
