Israel successfully completed the main trial stage of an innovative, first-of-its-kind laser interception system this week. Once it is declared operational, the Iron Beam system will be able to intercept cruise and ballistic missiles, explosive-laden drones, mortar shells and even anti-tank rockets at the speed of light.

“This is a real game changer,” a senior Israeli military official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The official explained that the system would be operational within a year or two and join the three other anti-missile systems in Israel’s air defense arsenal — Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling — to provide it with the most advanced interception capabilities in the world. “It will create a wall against the missile threat around Israel, strategically changing the face of the Middle East,” the official said.

At the turn of the millennium, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief Moshe Yaalon predicted that Hezbollah’s rocket and missile arsenal would eventually “rust away.” His prediction was not borne out. Several years later, in 2006, Hezbollah fired thousands of rockets and missiles at Israel, killing at least 165 Israelis and causing extensive damage in the 34-day Second Lebanon War. Israeli authorities say the Iranian proxy organization has since amassed some 150,000 projectiles of various kinds, a small number of which are believed to be precision missiles.

Israel has been conducting an intense, prolonged military campaign against Hezbollah’s efforts to turn as many of its rockets as possible into smart, precision models by using special kits installed on them. According to Israeli intelligence assessments, Hezbollah now has several dozens of these advanced model missiles.