U.S. News:
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Monday it had successfully completed the final test of a joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense system before it is expected to become operational next year.
The Defense Ministry said the David’s Sling system had successfully intercepted targets in a series of tests conducted with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, calling it the “final milestone.”
David’s Sling is intended to counter medium-range missiles possessed by enemies throughout the region, most notably the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah. The system also aims to protect against low-altitude cruise missiles fired from longer distances.
The test comes amid soaring tensions between Israel and Hezbollah following the killing of one of its fighters, Samir Kantar, over the weekend. Hezbollah blamed Israel for the death. Three rockets fired from southern Lebanon struck northern Israel on Sunday, although it was unclear who fired them…
