NOTE: Before answering the following questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources” below.

1. List the who, what, where and when of the news item.

2. What caused Israel to develop the Iron Dome? When was it first used?

3. What is the Iron Dome? How does it work?

4. Cost-effective is defined as: producing good results without costing a lot of money.
a) How is the Iron Dome cost-effective?
b) Do you think Israel should use the Iron Dome even if it was not cost-effective? Explain your answer.

5. In his 2014 commentary under “Background,” Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer notes that Hamas’ attacks on civilian areas in Israel are not morally equivalent to Israel’s defensive response. Hamas has been launching these attacks for years, but with the money and weapons supplied by Iran’s leaders, they have reached further into Israel. The Biden administration has not come out strongly in support of our ally Israel. They have not condemned Hamas for launching attacks trying to kill civilians, or pointed out the fact that Israel targets Hamas (terrorist) buildings in the Gaza Strip - and warns occupants before launching a strike in an attempt to prevent civilian casualties. Why do you think President Biden has taken the position of not defending Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East?

6. It is no surprise that the media misrepresents this latest conflict that was started by Hamas terrorists in Gaza - with no regard for the Palestinian civilians around them who may be harmed or killed. Read some tweets from IDF spokesman Avi Mayer for a different perspective.
Consider the information and videos under “Resources” below. How does this information differ from most news reports you have seen or videos or comments you generally see on social media?

7. Do you think average Palestinians living in Gaza want Hamas leaders to continue attacking Israel? Explain your answer.