OPINION:
“Congress overdue to help fund Israel’s Iron Dome” (Web, Feb. 15) makes a strong case for effective missile defense as a deterrent as well as a vital item once hostilities have started between nations. Omitted, however, is the fact that Israel has sensibly constructed an integrated defense capable of intercepting missiles of several ranges, thus providing a layered defense using their Arrow, Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems.
Shortly after President Reagan introduced the concept of using emerging technology to develop an effective missile defense, Israel, recognizing that it faced implacable enemies, foresaw the need for an overarching architecture to provide the ability to intercept missiles of varying ranges. In this area Israel leads the U.S., as we still rely on a range of interceptors that have yet to be integrated into a comprehensive system.
It is important for Congress to understand that in assisting Israel financially to replenish its stock of interceptors, it can at the same time receive significant assistance from Israel to enhance our own missile defense systems to meet current and emerging threats.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Maryland
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