A missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel triggered widespread alarms on Thursday, temporarily halting operations at Ben Gurion Airport and sparking panic across the Dan region, Tel Aviv, and surrounding areas.
According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the missile apparently disintegrated in mid-air, though interception attempts were made. The results of those attempts are currently under review. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, and shortly after the alarms, the Home Front Command declared the incident over.
Magen David Adom (MDA) teams were dispatched to Moshav Ginton near Lod, where shrapnel fell in the yard of a building. No injuries were reported.
Ben Gurion Grounded, Tel Aviv Rocked by Blasts
The IDF confirmed that the country’s missile defense systems were activated in response to the incoming threat. Takeoffs and landings at Ben Gurion Airport were temporarily suspended during the incident.
The sirens sounded across a wide swath of central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, Herzliya, Holon, Rehovot, and dozens of other municipalities in the Dan, Shefela, Yarkon, Samaria, Sharon, and Judean Plain regions.
Drone Intercepted in Southern Israel
Earlier in the day, around noon, red alert sirens were activated in Gaza perimeter communities after a hostile drone entered Israeli airspace from Yemen. The IDF confirmed several interception attempts, noting that the aircraft was being actively tracked by the Israeli Air Force.
Roughly 20 minutes later, the military announced the successful interception of the drone, averting a potential escalation.
Ongoing Threat from Yemen
This marks the latest in a series of long-range attacks launched from Yemen, amid ongoing regional tensions. The Houthis, who have claimed responsibility for similar incidents in the past, have yet to take credit for today’s launch.
The Defense Ministry and Air Force continue to monitor threats from the south, as officials assess whether the use of long-range missile and drone technology from Yemen represents a growing front in the region’s security landscape.
The Home Front Command urged the public to remain alert, follow official updates, and adhere to safety instructions in case of future incidents. The IDF said further information would be released as the investigation into the missile launch and interception attempts continues.
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