Israeli officials have lauded the technology, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claiming it “changes the rules of the game and sends a clear message to all our enemies… do not test us.”

The Iron Beam defense system, described as the first operational high-power laser interception system, has been delivered to the Israeli Air Force, Israel’s Ministry of Defense reportedly announced on Sunday, adding to its extensive arsenal of weapons used in its genocidal assault on Gaza and elsewhere in the region.

Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., the system “proved its effectiveness in an extensive series of tests against various threats and successfully intercepted rockets, mortars, and UAVs,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.  It will now be integrated into the occupation army’s multi-layered air defense network, operating alongside the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems.

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Israeli officials have lauded the technology, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claiming it “changes the rules of the game and sends a clear message to all our enemies… do not test us.”

‘Technological Revolution’ Claims

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram called Iron Beam “only the beginning of the technological revolution,” the Times of Israel reported.

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Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, chief of the Israeli Air Force, claimed the system is “another vital component in the air defense battle of our forces,” praising its role in enhancing operational capabilities during the ongoing military operations by the occupation forces.

Rafael’s CEO, Yoav Turgeman, said the company is “proud to deliver the most advanced laser system in the world for intercepting aerial threats,” according to the report. The handover took place at Rafael’s headquarters in northern Israel.

Elbit Systems

The global defense technology company, Elbit Systems, which has been a target of the now-proscribed Palestine Action group against its headquarters in the UK, supplied the laser.

Its CEO, Bezhalel Machlis, said “the company continues its work on developing advanced high-power laser solutions” for military use, the Times of Israel reported.

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Elbit Systems is mentioned in the 2025 report “From economy of occupation to economy of genocide” by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, for its role in the “military-industrial complex” that has “become the economic backbone” of Israel.

The report stated that since 2023, Elbit Systems “has cooperated closely on Israeli military operations, embedding key staff in the Ministry of Defense, and was awarded the 2024 Israeli Defense Prize. Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries “provide a critical domestic supply of weaponry, and reinforce Israeli military alliances through arms exports and joint development of military technology,” it added.

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The Iron Beam laser system is designed “to supplement and complement” existing missile-based batteries such as the Iron Dome, targeting smaller projectiles and unmanned aerial threats, according to Al Mayadeen.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on interceptors, the laser system uses a focused energy beam, allowing for rapid engagement without the risk of ammunition depletion, provided there is a continuous energy source, the report stated.

Over 71,000 Killed

Starting on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military, with American support, launched a genocidal war against the people of Gaza. This campaign has so far resulted in the deaths of over 71,200 Palestinians, with more than 171,000 wounded. The vast majority of the population has been displaced, and the destruction of infrastructure is unprecedented since World War II. Thousands of people are still missing.

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In addition to the military assault, the Israeli blockade has caused a man-made famine, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians—mostly children—with hundreds of thousands more at risk.

Despite widespread international condemnation, little has been done to hold Israel accountable. The nation is currently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while accused war criminals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are officially wanted by the International Criminal Court.

(PC, Al Mayadeen)