Is Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system ironclad?

Since Israel activated the Iron Dome in 2011, the cutting-edge rocket-defense system has intercepted thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, including on Tuesday night when Iran launched a large scale missile attack.

The system has given residents a sense of security, and Israelis can often be seen watching the projectiles flying through the skies and destroying their targets overhead.

But the current war with Hamas, which has led to direct confrontations with Iran, might be its stiffest challenge yet.

Over the last year, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets toward Israel, according to the Israeli military. That is more than any of the previous four wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group seized power in Gaza in 2007.

On Oct. 7 alone, the first day of fighting, Hamas launched at least 2,000 rockets, according to data from West Point. Lebanon's Hezbollah has also fired hundreds of rockets along Israel's northern front since the fighting began.

Most of the rockets have been intercepted. But some have managed to get through, killing at least 11 people and hitting buildings as far away as Tel Aviv, according to Israeli officials.

On Tuesday evening, Iran launched around 200 missiles in retaliation for Israel’s action in Lebanon, which has seen troops crossing the border in their mission to wipe out militant group Hezbollah.

Sirens blared across the country, and Israelis were ordered to stay in protected areas. An Israeli security official said that in cooperation with the United States, the Israeli Air Force intercepted many of the missiles, though there some direct hits damaging buildings and igniting some fires.

Here is a look at the accomplishments — and limitations — of the Iron Dome.

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