Israel's "Lahav Or" (Light Blade) laser system, designed to intercept airborne incendiary threats launched from the Gaza Strip, was deployed operationally by the Border Police for the first time on Tuesday.
Said to be the first defense system of its kind in the world, the Light Blade system will target incendiary balloons and kites, which have started countless fires in the southern border vicinity communities in recent years, as well as drones.
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The past week has seen a rapid increase in incidents in which Gaza-based terrorists send explosives-laden balloons flying over the border. On Tuesday alone, incendiary objects launched from Gaza ignited 60 brush fires across southern Israel. In response, Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas targets in Gaza overnight Tuesday.
The system resembles the Iron Dome missile defense system in its technology.
Video: Defense Ministry
Light Blade was developed by three civilian engineers working with Ben-Gurion University researchers and the technology branches of the Israel Police and IDF. The project was led by Border Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Yaakov Shabtai.
According to available details, the laser is capable of engaging targets with an effective range of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), day or night.
Once the system locks onto its target it fires a unique laser beam at it. If the target is a balloon or a kite, it incinerates it midair. If the target is a drone, the laser burns parts of it until it crashes.
Shabtai said last year upon the system's initial unveiling that Light Blade "provides a near conclusive response to everything relating to balloons and kites, and delivers a safe and effective solution to the drone threat."
Earlier this week, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi warned that if the campaign of balloon terror persists, Israel will respond in a "significant" manner.
On Monday, Gantz ordered the IDF to temporarily shut down operations at the Kerem Shalom crossing, through which goods enter the Gaza Strip.
The flow of humanitarian aid and petroleum fuels into the Strip will remain unchanged, Gantz's office stressed.
"Such incidents will first and foremost hurt the residents of the Gaza Strip and the efforts to improve its economic state for the welfare of the Palestinian people," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
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"Israel and the IDF will react forcibly against any infringement on our sovereignty and any harm that comes to Israeli civilians."
Hamas officials told Israel Hayom Monday that the organization will not prevent further escalation unless Israel meets it demands with respect to easing the blockade on the coastal enclave.
