Israel’s active defense system consists of several layers, starting with the Arrow missiles designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, through the David slingshot/magic wand system for medium-range threats, and up to the Iron Dome that protects against short-range rockets and missiles. Another layer of protection is based on Patriot-like systems.
At the same time as active defense, Israel invests heavily in passive defense. This includes shelters, security rooms, public protected spaces such as tunnels, and of course residential protected spaces known as M’MD. The M’MD is the core of passive protection, with safety features such as a steel door, armored windows and thick concrete walls.
If one does not have access to a M’MD, the next preferred option is the stairwells, or an interior room, which are generally between interior walls only and are not exposed to direct damage.
