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Arrow defense system intercepts Hamas rocket fired at Eilat

Last week, Arrow downed a ballistic missile launched from Yemen at Israel’s southernmost city.

An illustration of the Arrow 3 missile interceptor. Credit: Israel Aerospace Industries.
An illustration of the Arrow 3 missile interceptor. Credit: Israel Aerospace Industries.

Israel’s Arrow air defense system on Saturday intercepted a Hamas rocket fired from the Gaza Strip towards Eilat, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.

The terror group claimed the rocket was an “Ayyash 250,” which is believed to have a range of some 250 kilometers (155 miles).

It marked the second interception by the Arrow system since the beginning of the war, after last week’s downing of a ballistic missile launched from Yemen at Israel’s southernmost city.

The launch triggered sirens in several towns in the Arava region, just north of Eilat, including Neot Smadar, Neveh Harif, Shachrut, Shitim, Lotan, Yotvata, Grofit, Yahel, Yotvata Hai Bar Nature Reserve and Ktura.

Hamas has launched several longer-range rockets during the war, including at Haifa on Oct. 25.

Last Tuesday, the Arrow intercepted a surface-to-surface missile launched at the Jewish state from the “Red Sea area,” according to the IDF.

A spokesperson for Yemen’s Houthi rebels confirmed the Iranian-backed terror group had launched ballistic and cruise missiles at Israel, as well as drones.

The military said it intercepted two ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and several drones above the Red Sea heading in the direction of Eilat.

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“IDF soldiers must stand between Hezbollah and Israeli civilians. We will not wait for the next attack to reach our homes.”
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U.S.-Iran talks have been postponed after an explosive drone killed four Israeli soldiers in Southern Lebanon.