On 21 March, the Israeli government approved the spending of hundreds of millions of shekels to strengthen the country’s missile and air defense capabilities in the border areas with Syria.

The budget, approved by the Ministerial Committee for Armaments Affairs, includes a plan to purchase interceptor missiles for the Iron Dome missile defense system, radars, and other military equipment to confront alleged threats from Iran and Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

According to Hebrew media, a significant portion of the budget will be allocated to develop and produce the Iron Beam high-power laser system that will allegedly intercept a range of possible aerial threats.

Tel Aviv is reportedly set to sign an agreement in the coming days with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to develop the system.

The Israeli occupation forces say they plan to replicate the air defense strategy used to confront rocket attacks launched from the Gaza Strip.

This move by Israel comes just days after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a volley of 12 precision missiles against a secret Mossad base in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

According to Iranian officials, the attack left three Israeli officers dead and seven others severely injured.

Last month, Israel’s air defense systems failed to intercept a reconnaissance drone launched deep into the occupied territories by Hezbollah.

A senior official from the resistance movement described the drone incursion as a critical failure and as evidence that Israeli defenses are vulnerable and not as secure as Tel Aviv wants the world to think.

Walid Sukkarieh, a Lebanese member of parliament, also said the incident should serve as warning to the occupation forces that the resistance has “the necessary operational capabilities and efficiency” to overcome any Israeli aggression.

A few hours after the incident, Israel retaliated by sending two F-16 fighter jets into Lebanon. The warplanes flew over the capital Beirut at very low altitude, sending residents into panic and setting off car alarms.

Israel frequently violates Lebanese airspace. In recent years, it has launched hundreds of airstrikes on Syria using Lebanese airspace.