A February 2013 test of the Arrow 3 system. Photo: United States Missile Defense Agency via Wikimedia Commons.

Following Tuesday’s successful test of the Arrow 3 missile defense system, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the Jewish state’s foes.

“Israel has strong defensive and offensive capabilities that are among the most advanced in the world,” he declared. “Our enemies who seek to destroy us should know that Israel’s clenched fist will reach all those who seek our ill and we will settle accounts with them.”

Netanyahu went on to say, “Israel and the US have the deepest cooperation between their defense industries. I would like to express special appreciation for our ally, the United States, for the security cooperation in testing and developing our defensive systems, including the Arrow missile.”

“We will continue to successfully develop the most advanced weapons systems in the world in order to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel and the State of Israel,” he added.

The Arrow system was developed in collaboration with the US Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency. It was tested on Tuesday as planned and the Israeli Defense Ministry announced that it had successfully intercepted its target.

Following the test, both the American and Israeli agencies involved issued a statement saying, “The successful test constitutes an important milestone in the operational capabilities of the State of Israel to defend itself against all existing and future threats.”

Arrow is part of a multi-layered defense system intended to intercept short- and long-range rockets, as well as ballistic missiles. The Iron Dome is the first layer, followed by David’s Sling and Arrows 2 and 3.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin praised the developers of the Arrow on Tuesday, tweeting, “Congratulations to all the citizens of Israel on the successful launch. We have to be more agile, sharper, and smarter in order to defeat those who wish us ill. A great thank you all the citizens of Israel!”