Houthi Missile Attack on Central Israel Raises New Concerns
Update 2:
The ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen at central Israel this morning was hit by an interceptor missile, although it did not manage to completely destroy the target, according to an Israeli Air Force probe.
The missile had been identified upon launch from northwestern Yemen early this morning, and the Arrow long-range defense system was activated to intercept it. Several interceptor missiles were launched at the target in attempts to down it.
At least one of the Arrow interceptors hit the missile, but did not destroy it completely, the probe finds. Instead, the interceptor caused the Houthi missile to break apart in the air, and the warhead, as well as other pieces, fell to the ground.
The missile shrapnel impacted open areas in the Ben Shemen forest, close to Kfar Daniel, sparking a fire. Shrapnel from the interceptors also hit a train station near Modiin, causing slight damage.
The IAF has found that the missile, which had a straight trajectory, was not a hypersonic projectile, as the Houthis have claimed.
Update: The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen take responsibility for this morning’s ballistic missile launchntral Israel.
According to the Houthis, the missile was “a new hypersonic” model that managed to reach its target after crossing some 2,040km.
The IDF reported an impact in an open area, and later said it was investigating the results of interceptors fired at the missile.
There were no injuries in the attack, and footage showed an impact in the Ben Shemen forest area. Other shrapnel from an interceptor missile caused slight damage to a train station near Modiin.
Missile Breach Over Central Israel:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that a short to medium-range ballistic missile, launched by the Houthis from Yemen, entered Israeli airspace from the east and landed in an open area in central Israel. Initial reports of an interception over Tel Aviv were false. This breach has raised concerns about vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense system. While no significant casualties were reported, the event marks a concerning escalation in the ongoing multi-front conflict.
Fire and Shrapnel Damage Near Lod and Modi’in:
The missile’s impact caused a fire near Lod, southeast of Tel Aviv, which firefighters have now extinguished. Additionally, shrapnel, likely from an Israeli interceptor missile, fell on a train station in Modi’in, adding to the chaos of the incident. The crater left at the impact site shows that the warhead was not highly significant, but the attack’s psychological impact on residents remains high.
Multiple Interception Attempts Fail Over Tel Aviv:
The attack involved several attempted interceptions by the Israeli Air Defense Array, but all were unsuccessful in neutralizing the missile. Footage shows multiple failed interception attempts over Tel Aviv, prompting scrutiny over Israel’s defense capabilities. The IDF and Israeli Air Force are investigating the reasons behind the failed interceptions, despite multiple interceptor launches.
Strategic Implications for Israel and Potential Retaliation:
The incident has sparked discussions among Israeli decision-makers in Jerusalem about the possible escalation of the multi-front conflict. There is debate on whether this represents a new phase of Houthi aggression or a rare breach of Israel’s air defenses. Israel may consider a retaliatory strike by the Israeli Air Force against Houthi positions in Yemen, as seen in past responses, adding complexity to the region’s geopolitical situation.
Investigations Underway and Lessons Learned:
Both the Israel Defense Forces and the Air Force have launched investigations to determine why the missile was not intercepted and why it was not detected earlier. The outcome of these investigations may lead to changes in Israel’s air defense strategies to prevent future breaches.