Eizenkot: Rocket defenses designed for IDF, not citizens

Northern Command chief says "residents of Israel shouldn't be under the illusion that someone will open an umbrella over their heads."

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Iron Dome 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Iron Dome 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Active rocket protection systems, such as the Iron Dome and Arrow, are designed to protect IDF offensive capabilities, and not necessarily civilians, Northern Command Chief Major-General Gadi Eizenkot said Tuesday.
Eizenkot stressed that "the residents of Israel shouldn't be under the illusion that someone will open an umbrella over their heads."
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During a speech at the University of Haifa the military official said that "the systems are designed to protect military bases, even if this means that citizens suffer discomfort during the first days of battle."
Eizenkot's comments caused outrage among residents and officials in the Gaza vicinity with Shaar Hanegev Regional Council head Alon Shuster saying that he was not entirely surprised by the major-general's comments.
"In a sense it explains the ambiguity surrounding our appeal. Every one knows that the government promised the Iron Dome for the protection of Israel's citizens – no one mentioned IDF bases in the decision," he said.