The Iron Dome system tested to intercept missiles. (Photo broadcast by VNA) The Times of Israel on June 15 reported that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed several Iron Dome missile defense batteries near Jerusalem, before the anniversary parade Jerusalem Day takes place. The parade, originally scheduled for May 10, was postponed due to the 11-day Israel-Gaza military conflict. The parade, scheduled to start at 6pm on June 15 (Israel time), is one of the issues that threaten to escalate tensions between Israel and Palestine. In a related development, clashes broke out between a group of Palestinian protesters and IDF soldiers at the Gaza border. A Palestinian is said to have been shot in the leg and suffered minor injuries. Hamas Movement threatened to resume missile strikes on Israel if the parade continued. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on June 15 that dozens of Palestinians were gassed with tear gas when the Israeli army attacked a crowd protesting against a march that was about to take place in Jerusalem. According to WAFA, the Israeli military fired tear gas and hurled stun grenades at protesters at the entrance to the town of al-Ram in Northeast Jerusalem. In addition, the Israeli army also attacked and drove away Palestinian protesters at the Bab al-Amoud area (also known as the Damascus gate), one of the gates to the Old City of Jerusalem. At least two Palestinians were arrested in the incident.

RT reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that an SA-5 long-range surface-to-air missile was launched from Syria towards the Israeli fighters while they were in progress. attack in the Golan Heights of Syria. The missile exploded in a village in the Negev desert on the morning of April 22, just a few miles from Israel’s nuclear reactor. The explosion did not cause any serious injury or damage. IDF does not believe a nuclear reactor or any other ground site is the target for the missile. Photo of a missile explosion from Damascus, Syria. Photo: REUTERS Israel’s radar detected at least one of the missiles heading towards the Negev desert and triggered sirens in the area. IDF air defense crews were also involved. However, defensive measures have failed to stop the SA-5 missile. During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Defense Minister Benny Gantz admitted that the missile interception attempt “was unsuccessful” and that IDF is investigating the cause. In response to the other missile, Israel aimed to fire at a Syrian battery about 24 miles (40 km) from Damascus. Many Syrian soldiers were injured in the Israeli attack. Syria’s air defense forces intercepted “most of the enemy’s missiles”, a military spokesman said. Israel often uses its Iron Dome missile defense system to avoid the attacks by the Hamas Islamist movement. In February, Israel’s internal security agency arrested an Arab on charges of espionage and provided information on the country’s missile defense system to Hamas. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Photo: REUTERS The missile responses come amid constant tensions between the two countries. Israeli fighters routinely carry out airstrikes on Syrian territory, although IDF rarely comment on these operations. Earlier this month, four Syrian servicemen were injured in a missile attack believed to have originated from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.