Israel links defence system with US

Israel News.Net
Tuesday 29th July, 2008

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has told his government a new US missile system will substantially improve Israeli preparedness in the face of any threat by Iran.

The US system will link Israel to a missile alert system capable of identifying an imminent attack.

After a series of meetings with top US officials in Washington, Defence Minister Barak persuaded the US to connect Israel to the global anti-missile system.

The Iranian threat was the main topic of talks between Mr Barak and US defence officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen.

At a press conference with Israeli reporters after the meetings, Barak explained: "It was important for the Americans to understand our stance. I think they understand this better now, after this visit."

The US anti-missile system is capable of detecting an impending attack while the missile's engine is still heating up.

The US will deploy a radar system in Israel that will give preliminary warnings on the deployment of enemy missiles and also give Israel access to an advanced American missile-defence system.

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