A missile fired from Yemen slammed into the Tel Aviv area early Saturday morning, wounding 16 people and exposing potential gaps in Israel's missile defense systems.
The Iranian-backed group claimed it used a "Palestine-2" hypersonic missile to hit what it called a military target in Jaffa. Israeli defense officials are investigating reports that both high-altitude and low-altitude interceptors failed to stop the incoming missile.
Impact and Casualties:
- 16 people wounded by glass shards
- 14 injured while running to shelters
- 7 treated for anxiety
- 3-year-old girl among the wounded
- Most victims discharged by Saturday morning
"The scene was complex, with blast impact affecting multiple apartments," said MDA paramedics Noam Weisbuch and Noa Shimony. Emergency teams conducted apartment-by-apartment searches to locate victims.
Defense Investigation:
Israeli experts are examining missile remnants to determine its type. Sources told Walla news that the projectile was "large, heavy and fast," requiring Israel's most advanced Arrow interceptors. Even successful interceptions of such missiles can result in dangerous debris.
Hamas praised the attack on Telegram, highlighting the "strong and solid relationship" between Palestinian and Yemeni forces.
Defense officials are investigating why both atmospheric and lower-altitude intercept attempts failed.
