Israel is facing serious pressure on its missile defence systems after nearly a week of heavy missile exchanges with Iran. A report by The Wall Street Journal, quoting a US official familiar with intelligence updates, says Israel is running low on long-range missile interceptors, raising concerns about how long it can keep defending against ongoing Iranian attacks.

Since Israel began its military campaign, "Operation Rising Lion," last Friday, Iranian forces have launched around 400 ballistic missiles. While Israel has been able to intercept most of these using advanced systems like Arrow, the cost and pace of operations are taking a toll.

According to officials in Tel Aviv who spoke to the WSJ, Israel has destroyed around one-third of Iran’s missile launchers and has claimed air superiority over Iranian skies. However, intelligence sources caution that more than half of Iran's missile supply remains untouched, and much of it may be hidden in underground storage.

Cost of defence: Nearly $285 million a night

Israel’s multi-layered missile defence network includes systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and US-supplied Patriots and THAAD. But running these defences is extremely expensive.

Israeli financial daily The Marker estimates that defending the skies each night could cost as much as 1 billion shekels ($285 million). Just one Arrow missile interceptor costs about $3 million.

Without immediate resupply from allies, especially the US, Israel may only be able to maintain its current level of missile defence for 10 to 12 more days, according to a source briefed on Israeli and US intelligence.

“The system is already overwhelmed. Soon, they may have to choose which missiles to intercept,” the source told WSJ.

Missiles hit key Israeli sites

Signs of strain are starting to show. Over the weekend:

  • Iranian missiles struck near the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv

  • A major oil refinery near Haifa had to shut down after a direct hit

  • On Tuesday, social media videos confirmed missile strikes near an Israeli intelligence compound north of Tel Aviv

So far, Israeli authorities have confirmed 24 deaths and over 600 injuries since the start of the new round of fighting.

Israel's airstrikes have damaged several key Iranian assets, including military bases, oil sites, and even nuclear-linked locations. But while the offensive might be hitting hard, Israel's ability to defend itself could soon become the biggest challenge if interceptor stocks run out.