Israel completes final test of missile defense system amid heightened tensions with Hezbollah

Published December 21, 2015

Israel says it has completed the final test of a joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense system before it becomes operational.

The Defense Ministry said Monday that the David's Sling system will be delivered to the military next year.

The test comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah following the killing of Samir Kantar, a Hezbollah fighter. The militant group blamed Israel for the killing. Three rockets fired from Lebanon struck Israel Sunday, although it was unclear who fired them.

Israeli defense official Yair Ramati says the test's timing was unrelated to the tensions.

David's Sling is intended to counter medium-range missiles possessed by enemies throughout the region, most notably Hezbollah. The Lebanese militant group is believed to possess tens of thousands of rockets and missiles.

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