Israel's Barak says missile defense could permit withdrawal from occupied territories
TEL AVIV — Israel's government sees the development of an effective
missile defense system as a factor in what could be its eventual withdrawal from
territory captured in the 1967 war.
Officials said the Defense Ministry and military have argued against any
Israeli withdrawal from such areas as the West Bank and Golan Heights until
Israel develops an effective missile and rocket defense system. They said
multi-layered system, including the new Arrow-3, would be able to intercept
everything from short-range rockets to intermediate-range ballistic
missiles.
"When the Arrow-3 is fully deployed, it will change our strategic
situation and will allow us to have a political arrangement," Israeli
Defense
Minister Ehud Barak said.
In an address on Nov. 17, Barak said Israel's active defense system was
vital for any peace treaty with its Arab neighbors. He said this would
include the establishment of a Palestinian state in cooperation with the
United States.
Barak said Israel required funds, including those from the United
States, to deploy and operate a multi-layered missile and rocket defense
system. He said Israel wants to expand the production of Arrow interceptors
in a program with Boeing.
The defense minister said the Arrow and David's Sling programs were
funded by the United States with encouragement from President Barack Obama.
David's Sling was meant to intercept missiles and rockets with a range of up
to 280 kilometers.
"We have to thank the current administration for continued support of
Arrow and David's Sling," Barak said.
A key element of the Israel's multi-layered defense system was the
ability to detect rocket launches and predict landings. Barak said the
capability would enable Israel to limit its alert to civilian communities of
an impending missile landing.
