KKN Gurugram Desk | The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has entered a critical phase as Israel’s state-of-the-art missile defense systems face immense pressure due to an unprecedented wave of ballistic missile attacks from Iran. According to reports cited by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and multiple Israeli media outlets, Israel’s long-range interceptor missile reserves are rapidly depleting, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of its national defense capabilities.

While Israeli officials continue to emphasize that the Iranian military infrastructure has suffered heavy damage from their retaliatory airstrikes, the ground reality reveals a far more complex and dangerous situation.

 Direct Missile Hits in Tel Aviv and Haifa

The threat to Israeli civilian and military infrastructure became alarmingly real on Friday night, when several Iranian missiles evaded the Iron Dome and other defense layers, landing dangerously close to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters in Tel Aviv.

On Sunday, a direct missile strike forced the shutdown of a major oil refinery near the port city of Haifa. Just two days later, video footage emerged on social media showing multiple explosions near a sensitive intelligence facility north of Tel Aviv.

Israeli authorities have so far confirmed 24 civilian and military deaths, with more than 600 injured, as missile strikes continue to escalate.

 Israel’s Missile Defense Systems Under Extreme Pressure

Israel boasts one of the world’s most sophisticated multi-layer missile defense systems, comprising:

• Iron Dome (short-range threats)

• David’s Sling (medium-range threats)

• Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 (long-range ballistic threats)

• American-supplied Patriot and THAAD systems

However, this multi-tiered shield is now overwhelmed and stretched thin due to the sheer volume and velocity of missile barrages from Iran.

A U.S. intelligence official, quoted by WSJ, warned that Israel’s defense systems are “exhausted” and may soon be forced to choose which missiles to intercept and which to let through — a deeply concerning scenario for any nation under constant attack.

Arrow System: High Cost, Limited Stock

The Arrow missile defense system, developed jointly by Israel and the United States, is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. However, it comes at an immense cost — each interceptor is estimated to be worth ₹25 crore (approximately $3 million).

Israeli publication The Marker reported that nightly missile defense operations are costing Israel nearly 1 billion shekels (~₹2,380 crore or $260 million). As of now, Israel reportedly has only 10–12 days of interceptor stock left if the missile attacks continue at the current pace.

Without immediate resupply from the U.S. or a diplomatic de-escalation, Israel’s ability to defend itself could be severely compromised in the coming days.

Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s Offensive Strategy

In response to Iran’s sustained missile aggression, the Israeli Air Force launched “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting Iranian missile launchers, nuclear facilities, and military installations.

According to U.S. and Israeli intelligence assessments:

• One of Iran’s three active long-range missile launch platforms has been destroyed

• Israel continues to strike at missile storage sites and command centers

• However, Iran is believed to still possess over 1,000 missiles, many of which are stored in underground bunkers and hidden launch facilities

Despite Israel’s precision airstrikes, the Iranian arsenal remains largely intact, and many weapons systems are believed to be protected by deep-earth shelters, making them difficult to neutralize.

Regional and Global Implications

The war has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, with rising fears of regional spillover involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syrian militias, and potentially other Iranian-backed proxies.

In Washington, the Biden administration is reportedly reviewing emergency arms support packages for Israel, including the resupply of interceptors and intelligence-sharing on Iranian missile movements. Diplomatic channels with EU partners and the United Nations are also being engaged in an attempt to pressure Iran into ceasefire talks.

However, both sides appear entrenched. Tehran has vowed “uninterrupted resistance”, while Israel insists it will continue its offensive “until every threat is eliminated.”

 Strategic Dilemma for Israel

Military analysts believe Israel is now facing a multi-front dilemma:

1. Defend critical infrastructure and cities against incoming ballistic threats

2. Sustain expensive interceptor-based defense with limited resources

3. Continue proactive strikes inside Iran to degrade missile capabilities

4. Avoid civilian casualties and international backlash

The biggest challenge, however, may lie in defending national morale while under constant threat and preventing defense fatigue within its military ranks.

 Why This Conflict Is Different

Unlike previous confrontations, the current Israel-Iran missile war of 2025 marks the first time Israel has come under sustained direct fire from Iran—not via proxies like Hezbollah or Hamas, but from Iranian territory itself.

This shift fundamentally changes Israel’s threat perception and security doctrine, pushing Tel Aviv closer to considering pre-emptive strikes deeper into Iranian territory, including suspected nuclear facilities in Natanz and Fordow.

As the Israel-Iran missile war intensifies, Israel’s once-formidable missile defense infrastructure is being pushed to its breaking point. With limited interceptor supplies, escalating civilian casualties, and unrelenting missile barrages from Iran, Israel stands at a historic security crossroads.

Whether the conflict escalates into a full-scale regional war or leads to a diplomatic intervention now depends on international response, military endurance, and the strategic decisions made in the coming days.