Unfortunately, it appears not.
Newsweek asked that question a month ago in anticipation of increased hostilities in the north.
Israel will not have its pioneering Iron Beam high-energy laser weapon system up and running ahead of schedule, despite the looming possibility of full-scale war breaking out across its northern border with Lebanon-based Hezbollah.The Iron Beam uses laser technology to slice through airborne targets, such as drones. It can intercept threats from up to several miles away, according to Rafael, the prime contractor for the system. Israel said tests have shown the Iron Beam can intercept rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles, as well as uncrewed vehicles—a threat militaries across the world are increasingly working to combat.Israel's Defense Ministry and industries are doing all they can to speed up the deployment of the Iron Beam, but the tail end of 2025 is still the earliest the first-of-its-kind air defense system will be fielded, Newsweek understands. This timeline has long been in place.Gideon Weiss, the head of international marketing and business development for Israel's state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, said there had been no changes to the timeline since October, with the Iron Beam still expected to be operational from the end of next year.
It would need to be defended, but if it is placed on a high area it should be able to neutralize any invading army by itself.
Maybe that is stage 2. Or maybe the US, which is funding it, has added provisions to the agreement that it would only be used defensively.
