Report: Israel to Ask Biden for Green Light on Missile Defense Sale to Arab Allies

By Hamodia Staff

YERUSHALAYIM – In a startling move, Israel intends to ask U.S. President Joe Biden to approve the transfer of a laser-powered air defense system to Arab countries aligned against Iran, including Saudi Arabia, according to an unconfirmed report on Channel 12.

The plan would see the system, Iron Beam, delivered to the UAE and “likely also to Saudi Arabia,” according to the report, which did not cite sources.

If true, it would be major step forward in establishing a regional defense alliance on the NATO model to protect against the threat of Iranian attack drones and missiles. Recent reports have said the parties include the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

The report was consistent with a statement by Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday, in which he said: “We are building our wide partnership with additional countries in the region to ensure a secure, stable and prosperous Middle East. Among other things, this also includes aerial defense,” Gantz said at his Blue and White party’s faction meeting in the Knesset.

“Of course, we are all preparing for Biden’s visit to the Middle East and Israel, which I hope will have a positive influence and maybe even bring a breakthrough in our ability to act against Iranian aggression in the region,” he said.

The Iron Beam ground-based laser system is still undergoing tests in shooting down drones, unguided rockets and anti-tank guided missiles. Initial deployment on the border with Gaza is reportedly not expected until sometime next year. Presumably, delivery of the system to other countries would not happen before that.