A single missile launched from Yemen early Wednesday morning activated warning systems across large areas of northern Israel, including Haifa and the Western Galilee. According to the IDF spokesperson, the missile was likely successfully intercepted.
The overnight incident highlights several unusual aspects that have drawn security attention. Officials are examining the "unusual characteristics" of the launch, primarily the late detection, the atypical location, and the timing of the alert activation – which occurred with a significant delay.
Particularly significant is that these are the first sirens heard in Haifa since the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah and Lebanon was signed on November 27. Zaki Heller, Magen David Adom spokesperson, stated that no calls had been received by the emergency center reporting impacts or casualties. However, MADA teams were dispatched to treat several people who sustained injuries while hurrying to sheltered areas.
Since the beginning of the war, the Houthis in Yemen, with Iranian backing, have been launching missiles and drones toward Israel, with the vast majority being successfully intercepted or falling in open areas. The defense establishment continues to monitor developments on this front, while Israel continues to address threats on multiple fronts simultaneously.
