Iron Dome Deployed in Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area

The Israeli Air Force has deployed an Iron Dome anti-missile system battery in the greater Tel Aviv area.

The battery was deployed in central Israel for training and operational purpose, and is expected to stay in the area for few days. "The Iron Dome system is in the process of operational absorption, during which a battery will be placed from time to time in different places across the country," the IDF said in a statement.

Such "operational absorptions" have also taken place in Haifa and Jerusalem. The battery's deployment to the Tel Aviv area was scheduled to take place in early March, but was postponed due to the escalation of hostilities with Gaza.

There are currently three operational and actively deployed batteries, which are meant for deployment in the south of Israel, while the fourth battery is expected to become fully operational next week, and is intended for the Tel Aviv area.