IDF says Haifa impact likely caused by misfired interceptor

The IDF Home Front Command suspects that an air defense interceptor malfunctioned and crashed in Haifa amid Iran’s ballistic missile attack, which was the reason for sirens not sounding in the northern city.

An early warning was issued via the cell broadcast system in Haifa, but no sirens sounded as no ballistic missiles were heading for the city.

During the attack, an air defense interceptor likely misfired and impacted in Haifa, according to a preliminary Home Front Command investigation.

“This is not a malfunction in the warning system,” the IDF says, adding that the incident is under further investigation.

The impact wounded three people, who medics say are in good condition, and caused damage.

At least 27 missiles were launched by Iran in the attack in two salvos.

One missile hit a residential area of Tel Aviv, wounding 13 people lightly, and another hit homes in Ness Tziona, wounding six lightly.

One man was moderately hurt by shrapnel on the Route 431 highway, near Be’er Yaakov in central Israel.

The Home Front Command is also investigating whether Iran used a cluster bomb warhead in the attack this morning, as it did last week, but thus far has not found any evidence of this.