Houthi rebels launched a surface to surface ballistic missile from Yemen early Sunday morning, marking the first time the group has directly targeted the Tel Aviv area with such a weapon.
The long-range missile traveled approximately 2,000 kilometers in 15 minutes, and was detected by Israeli defense systems.
Israel's advanced Arrow Anti-Ballistic Missile system, together with the Iron Dome, launched multiple interceptors at the missile. Despite these efforts and the system's previous near-perfect track record, including successful interceptions during the Iranian missile attack on April 14, the Houthi missile slipped through and exploded in an open area near Modi'in.
The IDF has launched an investigation into why the missile was not intercepted, given the Arrow system's high success rate throughout the current conflict. The missile's 15-minute flight time should have provided ample opportunity for detection and interception.
This attack represents a significant expansion of the conflict radius, demonstrating the Houthis' enhanced capability to strike deep into Israeli territory. Previously, Houthi attacks primarily focused on Eilat and southern Israel.
The incident could be retaliation for an Israeli Air Force attack on the port of Hodeidah in July, for which the Houthis had vowed to respond. Just last night, the Yemeni Defense Minister of the Houthi rebels warned Israel, saying that "the coming days carry surprises they do not expect."
This breach of Israeli defenses is not unprecedented. In April, a cruise missile from Yemen exploded north of Eilat, and in July, a Houthi UAV struck Tel Aviv, resulting in a civilian casualty. However, Sunday's attack marks a significant escalation in both range and potential impact.
The attack triggered widespread alarm across central Israel. Residents in major cities including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Modi'in reported hearing loud explosions as defense systems engaged the incoming threat. Magen David Adom reported that nine individuals sustained light injuries while rushing to shelters. MDA paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating to hospitals - Sheba in Tel Hashomer, Shamir Assaf Harofeh, Beilinson, Kaplan, and Meir.
The Fire and Rescue Service reported that "4 firefighting teams from the Ayalon station are operating at a fire in an open area in Kfar Daniel village, apparently caused by interceptor parts found in the fire area. At this stage, there is no danger to the village houses."
The police announced that officers from the Shfela district and police sappers are currently working to isolate an interceptor fall site and are searching for additional interceptor remains to remove further risk to the public, with no casualties.
"We call on residents to avoid arriving at the scenes and not to approach or touch interceptor remains and to report it without delay to the Israel Police 100 hotline," the police said.
Despite the morning's events, schools in central Israel are operating as usual, and flights at Ben Gurion Airport continue with minimal disruption.
Channel 12, Kikar Shabbos and Israel Realtime contributed to this article.
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