Sun Sep 15 09:55:07 UTC 2024: ## Israel Intercepts Long-Range Missile From Yemen Targeting Central Israel
**Tel Aviv, Israel** – A surface-to-surface missile launched from Yemen on Sunday morning targeted central Israel, marking the longest-range missile attack on the country to date, according to former IDF Air Defense commander Brig.-Gen. Zvika Haimovich. The missile, believed to be a “long-range missile from Yemen,” traveled over 1,600-1,700 kilometers, taking 13-15 minutes to reach its intended target.
Despite the extended flight time, Israeli defense systems were able to detect and track the missile throughout its trajectory, providing residents of central Israel with approximately one and a half minutes of warning. While multiple explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, these were attributed to the launch of interceptors, not multiple incoming missiles.
The effectiveness of the interception remains under investigation. While the missile did not reach its target, it’s unclear whether it was successfully hit by an interceptor or if it disintegrated in the air.
Brig.-Gen. Haimovich highlighted the ongoing conflict in northern Israel, which has been under heavy rocket fire for months, noting that the concern level rises significantly when central Israel is attacked. He emphasized that the threat posed by Hezbollah’s missile arsenal surpasses that of the Hamas rockets fired from Gaza, and the potential scope of future attacks presents a substantial challenge.
While acknowledging the Israeli Air Force’s capabilities and the IDF’s readiness, Brig.-Gen. Haimovich expressed concern about the level of preparedness among Israeli citizens for a potential war on the northern front. He stressed the importance of preemptive preparation, emphasizing that “a war against Lebanon is not like a war against Gaza or anything else we’ve experienced.”
First Piper 