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Last update - 18:00 29/07/2008 U.S. to explore upgrades for Israel's defense capabilities By Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Robert Gates, missile defense  U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said Tuesday that the Bush administration was prepared to consider upgrading Israel's missile defense capabilities. Gates told Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who is visiting Washington, that the U.S. would explore a number of options includin ballistic missile early warning launch data, a forward based X-Band radar system, other missile defense assets, and counter measures to short-range rocket and mortar attacks. Barak is considering purchasing or borrowing several Phalanx automated cannons from the United States. The cannons intercept incoming mortar shells and short-range rockets, and would be used to defend Sderot and other Negev towns from rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Advertisement The defense minister was expected to ask Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to appraise the Phalanx's performance. That assessment will be used to help the government decide whether to bring the anti-missile system to Israel. The new development comes after a series of articles in Haaretz, in which Dr. Natan Farber - an expert in ballistic missiles from the Technion - expressed his support for the project. However, several Defense Ministry officials said the Phalanx system is not effective enough, and argue that Israel should focus on developing the Iron Dome defense system, which will not be ready before 2011 Related articles: Barak mulls buying anti-missile system from Washington With you in war, but not in peace An agenda for a friend of Israel Bookmark to del.icio.us   Internal fighting Human rights groups say torture is widespread in Palestinian lockups. Danger looms Pentagon chief Robert Gates warns: War with Iran would be 'disastrous.'   1.   This is what happens people 18:41  |  THIS IS IT! 29/07/08   2.   referendum on support for israel 18:47  |  bashar 29/07/08   3.   referendum on support for israel 18:47  |  bashar 29/07/08   4.   Preparing for attack on Iran? 19:09  |  Tom Clark 29/07/08   5.   Its all talk from the U.S. 19:21  |  Wendy 29/07/08   6.   For Tom Clark # 4 19:38  |  Fortuna Benmayor 29/07/08   7.   Simple math 19:44  |  Mr Ipp 29/07/08   8.   Best defense is not offense, but peace! 19:51  |  Ivar 29/07/08   9.   Israel is a central front. 20:25  |  Jean Van Daem 29/07/08   10.   Iron Dome 20:28  |  Schlash 29/07/08   11.   Jean, Christians have Jesus as their defense, not Israel 20:45  |  Ivar 29/07/08   12.   Iron Dome?? The Israeli cranium perhaps? 20:49  |  Ivar 29/07/08   13.   To Bashar 20:58  |  Abu Yusuf 29/07/08   14.   To Ivar stop provocking Russia 21:02  |  CM 29/07/08   15.   Israel needs lots and lots of money and arms, already # 9 21:19  |  Clickfool 29/07/08   16.   dont waste anymore money on iron dome please 21:49  |  zionist forever 29/07/08   17.   A Brit (Clickfool) complaining about "dirty colonial wars???" 22:49  |  Dr. L. Brnd 29/07/08   18.   To Clickfool; concerning colonialism 23:02  |  Sam C 29/07/08   19.   Whata a photo 23:44  |  Tom 29/07/08   20.   400 to none (0) (zero) 23:50  |  George 29/07/08   21.   bashar 2 23:57  |  alan 29/07/08   22.   Ya gotta love da fool! 01:10  |  utagawa 30/07/08   23.   15 01:20  |  zionist forever 30/07/08   24.   #19 george 01:33  |  Mr Ipp 30/07/08

Read & React Source: Olmert ready to relax criteria for releasing prisoners in Shalit swap Responses: 69 Jewish blogger is the watchdog of the Orthodox world Responses: 47 Israeli officials: Syria taking peace talks seriously Responses: 33 Haaretz TV: Hebron settlers set up outpost on IDF base Responses: 72 Editorial: Why aren't we taking on rampaging settlers? Responses: 71 Rosner's Domain Lieberman seen as good veep choice (WTR) What American Jews believe (WTR) Barack Obama, the fashionable darling of the Israeli left The Lebanese are undercutting goodwill in Washington (WTR) More Headlines 03:14 Abbas: If Israel frees Hamas prisoners, I will dismantle PA 05:32 Mofaz: No talks on core issues while coalition on verge of collapse 02:15 Barak: U.S. to link Israel with advanced missile detection systems 03:02 ANALYSIS: Israeli security forces are losing control in the West Bank 04:12 U.S. says settlements are 'problem' as Israel-PA talks shift to Washington 05:47 Maccabi Haifa signs the 'Jewish Jordan' for next season 04:27 Olmert-Barak spat keeps ratcheting up 06:21 Huge blast rocks Hamas training base wounding at least five 23:14 Olmert: Syria must choose between peace and isolation 21:33 Palestinian boy, 9, killed during protest at West Bank fence 21:18 Jewish World / Parents get the Birthright experience 00:29 VIDEO: Despite Gaza truce, Hamas men undergo advanced military training 02:50 Palestinian PM appeals for World Bank aid to pay public sector wages 03:43 IDF launches new probe of officer who ordered bound Palestinian shot 04:41 Police pressure shooting suspect to incriminate crime boss Previous Editions Select Day 29 jul 28 jul 27 jul 25 jul 24 jul 23 jul 22 jul 21 jul 20 jul 18 jul 17 jul 16 jul

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