Missile Intercepted Near Tel Aviv, Rare Attack Far From Frontlines

A missile fired from Lebanon was intercepted near Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic center, on Wednesday, marking a rare attack far from the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, CNN reports.

The Israeli military confirmed the incident, stating that their aerial defense system successfully intercepted a surface-to-surface missile identified crossing from Lebanon.

“Following the sirens that sounded in the Tel Aviv and Netanya areas, one surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing from Lebanon and was intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array,” the military said in a statement.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. These strikes, launched in retaliation for previous attacks, resulted in the death of over 500 people in Lebanon, with Monday being the deadliest day in the country in nearly two decades.

Hezbollah has been firing hundreds of rockets and drones from Lebanon targeting northern Israel since the outbreak of conflict with Hamas last October. While the group has not yet commented on the attempted attack on Tel Aviv, the incident highlights the escalating tensions and the potential for further escalation.

Flights at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport continued as usual, according to the airport spokesperson.

Sirens sounded in the central city of Netanya for the first time since October 7, 2023, according to Israeli authorities.