Israel has tested a new rocket interceptor in a bid to further strengthen its defences and make its “multi-layer missile” system operational. Military officials said on Sunday that David’s Sling, which is capable of stopping missiles within ranges of 300km, had passed the test run in southern Israel by blocking its first missile. David’s Sling, otherwise known as the Magic Wand, has been developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and US-based Raytheon Co. A military spokesperson aid the programme, which is on schedule for deployment in 2014, would “provide an additional layer of defense against ballistic missiles”. The news of the tests came shortly after Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese political group Hezbollah, announced on Ashura, a holy day of mourning, that thousands of rockets would rain on Israel if it attacks Lebanon. Hezbollah could hit targets “from Kiryat Shmona – and let the Israelis listen carefully – from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat”, he said, referring to Israeli’s northernmost town on the Lebanese border and to the Red Sea port 290km further south.
