The Israeli military claims that a ballistic missile launched from Yemen has targeted central areas in the occupied territories after the regime’s Iron Dome system failed to repel the attack and intercept the long-range advanced projectile.
The missile landed near Route 1 highway southeast of Tel Aviv and Gezer power plant on Sunday morning, with media reports saying dozens of failed interception attempts led to Iron Dome missiles crashing and starting fires in a number of locations.
Videos and pictures posted online showed smoke rising from scrubland near the Route 1 highway after the Israeli military attempted to shoot down the ballistic missile.
A picture showed damage to an escalator at a train station on the outskirts of Modiin, some 25 kilometers east of Tel Aviv.
Israeli settlers were documented running to cover and at least five were wounded while doing so.
Video shows Israeli settlers taking shelter after the Yemeni missile reached central Tel Aviv and the sirens were activated. pic.twitter.com/xiBVYVj2CG
— Palestine Highlights (@PalHighlight) September 15, 2024
The Israeli military initially said in a statement that a surface-to-surface missile launched from the eastern direction had set off sirens in Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas, and impacted an open area with no injuries.
“A surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the East and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported," the statement claimed. "The missile was fired from Yemen.”
The Israeli regime also said the ballistic missile, which evaded several layers of advanced air defense, was not detected by sirens until it reached central occupied territories as it was expected to be spotted before it penetrated.
The impact of Yemeni missile strike near Southeast Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/wAdYoZUobP
— Palestine Highlights (@PalHighlight) September 15, 2024
Yemeni sources told Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network that the Israeli narrative regarding any operations by the Yemeni army "cannot be relied upon."