Israel’s defence ministry says its new laser-based air defence system, Iron Beam, will be operational by the end of December 2025, marking a major step in a project more than a decade in development. The update comes as the military intensifies strikes on Hezbollah targets despite a year-old ceasefire.

Daniel Gold, who heads the ministry’s research and development unit, told a defence summit in Tel Aviv that the system had completed development and passed a full testing programme. He said Iron Beam would “fundamentally change the rules of engagement on the battlefield”, adding that it will reach “initial operational capability” before the end of next year.

The ministry declined to give further details when contacted. Iron Beam, built with state-owned Rafael and private firm Elbit, is designed to strengthen Israel’s interception of drones and other airborne threats. It will complement existing layers of defence, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling and the Arrow missile systems.

Israel has faced pressure to tighten its aerial defences after the June war with Iran, when more than 50 missiles hit its territory, causing 28 deaths. Rafael described Iron Beam as a ground-based high-power laser system capable of rapidly neutralising threats at minimal cost.

Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog said he will consider only Israel’s “best interests” as he reviews Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon in his long-running corruption cases.

Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he had submitted the request, arguing the cases were tearing the country apart. Herzog, in a statement on Monday, said the matter would be handled “in the most correct and precise manner”.

The request follows a letter from US President Donald Trump last month urging Herzog to grant the pardon. Netanyahu and his wife Sara are accused of accepting luxury gifts worth more than $260,000 from wealthy businessmen. He is also accused of seeking favourable media coverage in two other cases.

The prime minister maintains his innocence. He made no admission of guilt when announcing his request and framed the move as an effort to “lower the flames” in a deeply divided society.

Before a court hearing in Tel Aviv on Monday, rival groups of protesters gathered outside, some in orange prison-style jumpsuits calling for Netanyahu to face trial, while supporters said the pardon request was in the country’s interest.