In a rare acknowledgment of failure, the Israeli army confirmed that its Iron Dome interceptor missile encountered a "technical fault" on Thursday, leading to the missile missing a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. Tragically, this incident resulted in the death of one Israeli settler and caused injuries to several others.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman, addressed the issue, noting that this was the second technical failure to affect the Iron Dome system in just over a week. However, he sought to assure the public that such failures were likely isolated incidents, emphasizing that the missile system had successfully intercepted and neutralized 91 percent of the targeted projectiles.
During a press briefing on Friday, Hagari stated, "There was a technical fault; the interceptor was launched and did not hit the rocket." He further emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted to understand the root cause of the malfunction.
According to Hagari, the rocket that evaded interception was similar to the numerous crudely made projectiles launched from Gaza. However, due to a complex angle of impact, it struck a building in "Rehovot," a city located approximately 45 kilometers (27 miles) north of Gaza. The resulting direct hit caused significant destruction, including a massive hole in an apartment on the building's third story, leading to rubble falling onto the street below.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions and security challenges faced by both Israelis and Palestinians in the region. The Israeli military will undoubtedly intensify its efforts to rectify the technical issues plaguing the Iron Dome system to ensure the safety of its citizens.