United States set to deploy radar systems in Israel!

JERUSALEM, Israel - July 30, 2008 - The United States has agreed to place advanced missile detection systems in Israel.

Senior U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say the systems will give Israel an extra layer of protection in case of an attack by Iran.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak confirmed the deal.  Officials say the systems will be set up in Israel before a new U.S. president takes office in January.

The main system, called X-band radar, is the most powerful U.S. radar system, and can track medium- and long-range missiles in space. It can also be used to target incoming missiles and shoot them out of the sky.

The U.S. already employs the radar technology in Japan and hopes to deploy it soon in the Czech Republic.

U.S. officials say the agreement will also allow the two countries to share early launch data.

Ed. Note: January, right before the new President is to take office.  Hmmm...