Arrow Air Defense System Intercepted Surface-to-Surface Missile Launched at Israel
In a significant development during the ongoing war with Hamas, the Arrow air defense system intercepted a surface-to-surface missile aimed at Israel, the military confirmed on Tuesday. This marks the first operational use of the long-range Arrow system during the conflict. The missile was believed to have been launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, targeting the southernmost city of Eilat.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the missile’s trajectory was tracked by air force systems, and the interception took place at the most suitable operational time and location. Residents reported hearing a large blast, and photos showed a trail of smoke from the Arrow missile. Additionally, the IDF announced that two “hostile targets,” likely drones, were downed by fighter jets in the Red Sea area earlier in the day.
The IDF clarified that all threats were intercepted outside Israeli territory, and no intrusion into Israeli airspace was detected. The Houthis, who have claimed responsibility for the missile attack, stated that it was carried out in support of the people of Gaza and in response to the weakness of the Arab world and collusion with Israel by some Arab countries.
The prime minister of the Houthi government, Abdelaziz bin Habtour, asserted that the drones used in the attack belonged to Yemen. The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, consider themselves part of the “axis of resistance” against Israel, along with Hamas.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks believed to be originating from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. There are concerns that the war between Israel and Hamas could escalate and spread to other fronts. Taba, an Egyptian town on the Red Sea and near the Israeli border, was targeted by a drone strike earlier this month, leaving six people wounded.
The US Navy also intercepted three missiles fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen heading towards Israel via the Red Sea. The rebels have expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and issued threats against Israel throughout the conflict.
Iran has warned Israel of broader threats if it does not end its offensive against Gazan terrorists. The country claims that 1,400 Israelis, mainly civilians, were killed during Hamas’s terrorist rampage on October 7.
The interception of the surface-to-surface missile by the Arrow air defense system highlights Israel’s commitment to defending its territory from threats and the ongoing challenges it faces from groups supported by Iran.