Israel successfully tests anti-ballistic missile system

JERUSALEM

Israel successfully tested a system to intercept ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the ministry said the Hetz 3 (Arrow 3) missile test was carried out in cooperation with the American Missile Defense Agency in central Israel.

The ministry described the anti-ballistic missile test as an “important milestone” in Israel’s capability in defending itself against “existential threats”.

The test came one day after Israel carried out attacks against Iranian targets in war-torn Syria.

Israel frequently accuses Tehran of exploiting the ongoing conflict in Syria -- where Iran supports the ruling Assad regime -- to establish a permanent military presence near Israel’s border.