Updated

The Israeli military has deployed an "Iron Dome" missile defense battery in the outskirts of Jerusalem.

Associated Press video footage showed the missile defense system positioned there Sunday afternoon. The Israeli military refused comment, citing operational protocol.

Israel is concerned that Syria, or a group allied with the regime like Hezbollah, could launch missiles at Israel if the U.S. attacks over its alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians.

Even though Israel believes it unlikely that Syria will attack the Jewish state, it is making preparations just in case. It has deployed air defense systems, drafted a small amount of reserve soldiers and is handing out gas masks.

The "Iron Dome" system has shot down hundreds of rockets launched by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip at Israeli cities.