IDF says Haifa impact yesterday was not failed interceptor but undetected missile

After further investigation, the IDF has determined that the impact in Haifa yesterday was not a failed interceptor as initially suspected, but an Iranian ballistic missile that was not detected correctly.

The missile hit a public square in a residential area of the city. Three people were lightly hurt, including one person who was relatively close to the impact site.

There was a “technical failure” with the detection of the missile, according to a Home Front Command and Israeli Air Force investigation.

Therefore, no sirens sounded and no interceptors were launched to shoot the missile down.

The Home Front Command had issued an early warning via the cell broadcast system in Haifa, which it says helped prevent further harm, as most people were seeking shelter even without sirens sounding.

According to the investigation, the Iranian missile split from its warhead mid-air, and interceptors were launched only at the back section. The warhead itself went undetected and hit Haifa.

The missile itself was not unusual, according to the probe, and was similar to others fired by Iran at Israel amid the war. The incident appears to have been an anomaly.