Latest news with #SwordsofIron
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel's billion-dollar laser weapon could dominate global defense – or be killed by politics
Israel's laser weapons debut in combat as NATO eyes next-gen defenses. Low-cost, battlefield-proven tech—but geopolitics may block export deals. The Defense Ministry's confirmation that Rafael's laser interception systems were used during the ongoing Swords of Iron war comes at a pivotal moment. NATO countries are preparing to raise their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP), a shift expected to generate some €800 billion in procurement. With Israeli companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems already embedded in NATO supply chains, their next-generation laser systems could become Israel's next multi-billion-dollar defense export—if diplomatic friction doesn't block the path. Despite more than 10,000 successful interceptions since 2011, Israel's Iron Dome air-defense system—developed by Rafael—has never been sold as a full system to any foreign country. While the United Kingdom purchased its battle management center and the United States Marine Corps acquired its interceptors, no nation to date has received the complete platform. This contrasts with the international success of other Israeli air-defense systems. The Arrow 3, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), was sold to Germany in a $3.5 billion deal. David's Sling, another Rafael system, was sold to Finland for €317 million. Rafael's Barak MX system has racked up roughly $10 billion in global sales. Despite Iron Dome's strong brand recognition, it has lagged behind these systems in terms of foreign adoption. Meanwhile, other Israeli-made weapons have already become NATO standards. Rafael's Spike anti-tank guided missiles have been sold in the billions of dollars and are produced in Germany, with previous manufacturing in Poland. In recent years, Elbit's PULS rocket artillery system has gained momentum, with confirmed sales to Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark—alongside several undisclosed NATO members. Ukraine's successful use of comparable systems against Russian targets has only added to the demand. Israel now hopes its laser-based interception technology will be next in line for global adoption—and it's betting billions on it. The Defense Ministry recently disclosed the existence of two laser systems: Magen Or (Iron Beam), a high-powered 100-kilowatt laser developed jointly by Rafael and Elbit Systems, and Lahav Barzel (Iron Sting), a smaller 30-kilowatt system designed by Rafael. Magen Or has intercepted short-range rockets at distances of up to 10 kilometers in tests. The IDF is expected to deploy an operational version by the end of the year. Lahav Barzel, which was used in combat for the first time during Swords of Iron, is more compact and energy-efficient. Rafael and Israeli vehicle manufacturer Plasan have already developed a mobile version mounted on Plasan's SandCat armored vehicle, enabling rapid redeployment between combat zones. Footage released by the Defense Ministry showed Lahav Barzel successfully intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by Hezbollah. The laser doesn't obliterate the drones in dramatic fashion—rather, it focuses heat on the drone's wing or fuselage until the structural integrity fails and the UAV crashes. The cost per interception is just a few dollars, limited to the electricity required to power the laser. By contrast, using interceptor missiles or air-to-air munitions can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per engagement. For American readers, that cost-efficiency could resonate strongly, particularly given current U.S. debates over defense budgets and aid allocations. As warfare becomes increasingly reliant on drone technology—seen most visibly in Ukraine and Russia's tit-for-tat strikes involving hundreds of UAVs each week—Israel's laser defense systems offer something rare: proven battlefield results at a fraction of the price. The case for Israel's laser technology is not only tactical but financial. However, Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman acknowledged that export success also depends on geopolitical considerations—particularly growing European criticism of Israeli operations in Gaza. France, for example, reportedly attempted to dissuade Germany from purchasing the Arrow 3 system, and other European countries have downplayed their acquisitions of Israeli-made systems in response to domestic political concerns. While some European defense ministries are eager to procure Israeli technologies, officials are increasingly constrained by the political environment. Nevertheless, the security rationale remains persuasive. NATO states such as Finland, Sweden, Poland, and Germany—countries increasingly concerned about potential Russian aggression—view laser interception systems as a vital new layer of defense. While the United States has deployed 60-kilowatt laser systems on naval vessels, Israel appears poised to be the first country to field a land-based laser system in operational service.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Imagine Dragons Frontman Dan Reynolds Waves Palestinian Flag During Milan Concert After Controversial Tel Aviv Show
New Delhi: A moment during an Imagine Dragons concert in Milan on Tuesday has sparked widespread reaction online. What During the show, frontman Dan Reynolds picked up a Palestinian flag that had been thrown onto the stage. He held it up to loud applause from the crowd and then draped it over his shoulders while continuing to perform. A video of the moment has been widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), drawing mixed reactions. The backlash stems in part from the band's previous decision to perform in Israel before the Swords of Iron war began in October 2023. What a powerful gesture by Imagine Dragons. This kind of solidarity means everything. 🫡 — 𝓙𝓲𝓶𝓶𝔂 𝓙 🫒🗝️🇵🇸 (@JimmyJ4thewin) May 28, 2025 Background At the time, Imagine Dragons faced calls to cancel their show in Tel Aviv, but they went ahead with it. In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, Reynolds addressed the criticism, saying, "I don't believe in depriving our fans of seeing us just because of the actions of their leaders and governments. It's a very slippery slope. Once you start doing that, where do you draw the line? There are corrupt leaders and warmongers all over the world." In 2023, the American band played to a crowd of 60,000 at Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park, despite appeals from pro-Palestine campaigners to boycott the show over concerns about Israel's human rights record. Holocaust survivor and activist Dr Gabor Mate was among those who urged the group to cancel their performance. "I respectfully urge the progressive and humane-minded artists Imagine Dragons to stand by their principles and support both Palestinians and courageous Israelis by not performing in this apartheid country," he said. The band chose to go ahead with the show and greeted the audience warmly. During the concert, Reynolds told the crowd, "It's not normal to have such a big crowd," and added, "Tel Aviv, we love you." Drummer Daniel Platzman, who is Jewish, also performed at the show. Prior to their appearance in Israel, the band had played at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK. Earlier that summer, singer Robbie Williams had also performed at Yarkon Park. He responded to boycott calls by expressing his support for the Jewish community, telling the crowd he was "grateful for the Jewish people" and paid tribute to his Jewish wife Ayda Field and their four children. In A Nutshell Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds sparked online debate after draping a Palestinian flag over his shoulders during a Milan concert. The gesture drew backlash due to the band's earlier decision to perform in Israel in 2023 despite boycott calls. At the time, Reynolds defended the move, saying fans shouldn't suffer for government actions.
Epoch Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
International Pressure Weighs Heavy on Israel Over Gaza
After the But much of that support has fallen away in recent months—and especially in the past week. On May 19, Canada, the UK, and France put out a The same day, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand signed a They also called for the return of a cease-fire and 'working towards the implementation of a two-state solution.' On May 20, the EU's foreign affairs representative, Kaja Kallas, said the bloc is reviewing its association agreement with Israel, which includes free trade provisions, because of the 'catastrophic' situation in the Gaza Strip. Kallas: 'Pressure Is Necessary' Kallas Related Stories 5/21/2025 5/20/2025 U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have not openly criticized Israel, but neither, in recent days, has the White House or the State Department defended Israel's position. On May 16, Trump was asked whether he supported Israel's latest offensive. He told reporters: 'I think a lot of good things are going to happen over the next month, and we're going to see. We have to help also out the Palestinians. You know, a lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides.' On May 21, two Israeli Embassy employees were The victims have been identified as Yaron Lischinsky and his girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim. The suspect has been identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, but there is as yet no suggestion that he is affiliated with Hamas. On May 21, the London-based Campaign Against Antisemitism sent a statement to The Epoch Times saying that campaigners for a 'free Palestine' were 'anything but peaceful, and now they have shed blood.' Swords of Iron Netanyahu responded to the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by launching Operation Swords of Iron, which has cost the lives of 858 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel. Hamas-controlled Gaza was pummelled by air strikes, artillery and tank fire, and armored drones. A Israel says Hamas is still holding 58 hostages, although only 23 of them are believed to be alive. The 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip—which is only 25 miles long and in some places only four miles wide—are living in rubble among demolished and unsafe buildings. On The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza says 53,573 Palestinians have been killed, and 121,688 injured. On Jan. 21, the outgoing IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said almost 20,000 Hamas terrorists had been killed at that point. Hamas has lost most of its leadership, including Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, but has not surrendered. Workers unload cargo from a truck carrying humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip at the offload area of the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza on May 22, 2025. AP Photo/Leo Correa Netanyahu wants to finish the job, and on May 16, the IDF But then came the international pressure to cease hostilities and allow in aid to prevent a famine in Gaza. Arguments Over Aid Plan On May 22, Jens Laerke, a spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said 90 aid trucks carrying medicine, flour, and nutrition supplies had finally arrived in Gaza. Netanyahu said more aid would be provided in the near future, after Israel had created a 'sterile zone' where the Palestinian population — minus Hamas — could be moved, 'for the purposes of its safety.' The plan would involve a U.S-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, operating 'secure distribution sites.' Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea told the Security Council earlier this month that Washington was working with Israel to enable the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to start work in Gaza by the end of the month. But the U.N. opposes the Israeli plan, and on
Roya News
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Qassam Brigades announce successful ambush in northern Gaza
In a statement released on Saturday, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for a successful ambush against 'Israeli' forces in northern Gaza. The operation, dubbed "Sword Breaker," took place in the eastern part of Beit Hanoun, a region heavily affected by the ongoing aggression. The operation's name is in response to the name of the 'Israeli' aggression against Gaza which started in 2023 called "Swords of Iron." The brigades reported targeting a military jeep belonging to the Gaza Division's Combat Intelligence Battalion using a precise anti-tank missile. The missile strike reportedly caused significant casualties, although the exact number of 'Israeli' soldiers affected has not been independently verified. As 'Israeli' reinforcements rushed to the scene , they were ambushed once again by a deadly "TV-3" anti-personnel explosive device, designed to inflict maximum damage on personnel. The device resulted in further casualties, including both deaths and injuries, highlighting the brutal nature of the ongoing conflict in the region. In addition to the anti-tank missile and explosive device attacks, the Al-Qassam Brigades launched a second strike, targeting a newly established 'Israeli' military position with four RPG rockets and multiple mortar shells. The group claimed these attacks inflicted substantial damage on the enemy's newly fortified position.
