Israel ? Israel’s Arrow missile defense system intercepted and destroyed a missile similar to Iran’s long-range Shahab-3 during a test Friday, prompting Israel’s defense minister to declare it an effective shield against a possible future Iranian nuclear threat.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said that in light of Iran’s recent threats against Israel and efforts to develop non-conventional weapons, Israel needs an effective shield.

Iran’s Shahab-3 can be equipped with nuclear warheads and can reach Israel, as well as several U.S. military installations in the Middle East. Israeli concerns were heightened after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in October said Israel must be “wiped off the map.”