U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Michael Oren. Photo: wiki commons.

Following his public statement criticizing a “60 Minutes” report that asserted Israel’s Iron Dome defense system would hinder rather than help along the peace process, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, appeared Tuesday Morning on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program to tout its capabilities.

“It not only saved Israeli lives but it saved Palestinian lives because we didn’t have to operate on the ground,” Oren noted, referring to Iron Dome’s effectiveness during Israel’s November conflict with Gaza terrorists. He believes the program will also be instrumental in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority because, “It gave us space and time.”

According to Oren, the Iron Dome’s protection reduced pressure for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to respond offensively to Gaza rocket attacks.  Instead of sending soldiers into Gaza, Oren said, “we didn’t have to operate on the ground and it gave us time to work out a ceasefire with then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.” Oren did add, however, that the Iron dome “is a game-changer not a game-ender.”

The topic of conversation soon transitioned to that of Syria and Iran, concluding with discussion of Israel’s recent election and efforts by Netanyahu to form a government.

“Israel is focused on social issues, some not so different than issues facing this country,” Oren said, before adding, “Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to primarily gather a coalition that can deal with all those issues at the same time.”

Watch Oren on MSNBC below: