Israel is prepared to relocate launch batteries of its controversial Iron Dome missile defence system near Blue Line, Israeli Army chief of staff Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi has said.

The $210m system could be used to prevent future attacks along Israel’s northern border, according the Daily Star.

“I am not sure that the first batteries of the Iron Dome, which are supposed to be ready in November, will necessarily be deployed in the south,” Ashkenazi said.

Ashkenazi further added that the Israeli Army had been “preparing for a comprehensive confrontation then adapting it to a limited confrontation”.