In the wake of the Houthi attack on Eilat on Wedneday, which left dozens injured and marked the second strike in the city in a week,  Israel is set to deploy the Iron Beam (Magen Or) system—an advanced laser-based defense system—in the city.

The system will provide an additional layer of protection against aerial threats from Yemen.

The Iron Beam, considered a global breakthrough in air defense, was first deployed earlier this year in northern Israel, where it successfully intercepted numerous UAVs launched by Hezbollah. The system is capable of countering a wide array of threats, including drones, cruise missiles, mortars, and short-range rockets. It is fully integrated into Israel’s multi-layered defense network alongside Iron Dome and David’s Sling.

Developed by Rafael in cooperation with Elbit Systems (responsible for the laser component), Iron Beam is the world’s first operational high-energy laser interceptor. It operates with a solid-state laser output of roughly 100 kilowatts. Each interception costs only a few dollars—the price of the electricity required to fire it—compared to about $50,000 per Iron Dome interception. This cost differential could transform the economic equation in Israel’s defense against enemies who fire low-cost rockets and UAVs.

The system can intercept threats up to 10 kilometers by using a concentrated laser beam that cuts through a projectile’s steel casing, penetrates its warhead, and detonates the explosive inside. It entered operational service during the current war following a series of successful trials, with recent escalations fast-tracking its deployment.

It should be noted that the Iron Beam does not replace existing interception systems but complements them by adding an additional defensive layer, especially against short-range threats, such as small drones and low-flying UAVs, freeing Iron Dome to engage other targets and improving overall efficiency. The Air Force will coordinate between systems to determine which platform will be activated against each threat.

It is expected to counter small drones and UAVs launched from short distances, allowing Iron Dome to focus on other threats and improving overall resource efficiency. The Air Force will coordinate between all systems to determine which one will be activated against each detected threat.

Meanwhile, the IDF on Thursday released the main findings of the initial investigation into the strike on Eilat, which revealed that the drone was detected at a relatively late stage, after which Home Front Command alerts were activated.

The Iron Dome system attempted to intercept the aircraft but failed. The army stated that the initial inquiry identified the cause of the failed interception, and the system was immediately corrected. The details of the malfunction were withheld for security reasons.

According to Army Radio journalist Doron Kadosh, the UAV flew at a low altitude, complicating the interception, though investigators cannot yet conclude that this was the direct cause of the failure. Kadosh also reported that a fighter jet and an attack helicopter were scrambled to intercept it but, due to the late detection, were launched too late to reach the area in time, leaving the Iron Dome as the only system engaged in the incident.

The IDF added that the Air Force chief has ordered new measures to enhance preparedness, improve detection and interception capabilities, and strengthen overall defensive coverage in the Eilat area.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)