Israeli civilian aircraft nearly shot down due to unauthorized takeoff 

A dramatic near-miss took place this afternoon (Saturday) when Israeli air defenses activated against what was initially thought to be a hostile aircraft, triggering sirens across central Israel.

The target was later identified as a civilian Israeli plane operating without proper clearance. Military interceptors were already mobilized and, after failed attempts to establish communication, were ready to engage.

According to I24 News, only last-second visual identification through interceptor cameras prevented the aircraft's destruction.

* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.