Defense Minister: Another Iron Dome battery to be stationed in Ashdod

August 29, 2011 IDF – defpro.com

Defense Minister Barak addressed the security threats in southern Israel after a concrete terrorist attack warning

Isreali Minister of Defense Ehud Barak addressed the security situation in southern Israel, ten days after the multi-pronged terrorist attack in Eilat, during a visit to the ELTA factory of the Israel Aerospace Industries, today Monday (August 29).

"We're on high-alertness in the south today, facing a potential terrorist attack similar to that of ten days ago," said Barak. "We're determined to target the terrorists responsible for the attacks and intercept this one. Once again, responsibility for the terrorist attacks is traced back to Gaza; not only the Islamic Jihad Movement, but also the Hamas and other powerful organizations."

The Minister of Defense said during his visit that within the next ten days, a third Iron Dome anti-missile battery will be stationed protecting the city of Ashdod, home to over 200,000 civilians. Two batteries are already defending Ashkelon (over 100,000 civilians) and Be'er Sheva (over 180,000 civilians).

"By the end of the year we plan on acquiring a fourth battery and put into use a total of nine batteries as part of the national emergency plan within the next two years," said Barak. "This situation revamps the defense and security of Israeli civilians, who are still in need of shelters. The government will be able to intervene in the attacks more freely."

The Defense Minister also addressed of the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz's order to bolster forces in southern Israel and at the Israel-Egypt border due to a concrete warning that the Islamic Jihad organization is intending to carry out a terrorist attack in the region.

"We understand that the terrorist attack that took place 10 days ago may not have been the last," said Defense Minister Barak. "We're preparing with everything at our disposal to recognize, defend and thwart in case anybody attempts such an attack again. I repeat: the terrorists in Gaza will not come out clean."