IDF's 'Arrow' System Intercepts Yemen Missile Amid Rising Israel-Lebanon Tensions

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that their 'Arrow' Aerial Defense System intercepted a ballistic missile from Yemen. Meanwhile, the U.S. and its allies have called for a 21-day ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon border amid escalating tensions. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the U.S. for supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that their advanced 'Arrow' Aerial Defense System successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen. The interception was confirmed through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the IDF, stating, 'A missile was fired from Yemen towards Israel and successfully intercepted by the 'Arrow' Aerial Defense System.'

The IDF further noted that sirens and explosions were heard following the interception and resultant falling shrapnel. Concurrently, Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Amid rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon, the United States has advocated for a 21-day ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon border, aiming to prevent further escalation and to facilitate diplomatic efforts in both Gaza and Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III, British Defence Secretary John Healey, and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles collectively endorsed this initiative during the AUKUS defence ministerial meeting in London, according to a Pentagon press release.

'The situation in Lebanon and northern Israel is deeply troubling,' Austin remarked. 'Lebanese Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, began firing rockets into Israel in an unprovoked attack following the October 7, 2023, terrorist assault by Hamas.' Urging for an immediate ceasefire, Austin added, 'An immediate 21-day ceasefire will allow the time needed for diplomacy to achieve a durable arrangement and let civilians return safely to their homes. It will also provide an opportunity to finalize a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages.'

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the United States for its continued support of Israel's military actions in Gaza, urging the international community to stop supplying weapons to Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Abbas declared, 'This madness cannot continue. The entire world is responsible for what is happening to our people.'

Abbas also accused the U.S. of enabling Israel's operations by vetoing UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. 'We regret that the United States, the largest democracy in the world, obstructed three times draft resolutions of the Security Council demanding Israel to observe a ceasefire. The US alone stood and said, 'No, the fighting is going to continue,' he stated, as per Al Jazeera. In a significant strike, the IDF recently announced the elimination of Muhammad Hussein Srour, Commander of Hezbollah's Aerial Command, in a precision airstrike in Beirut.

Confirming the mission via a post on X, the IDF detailed, 'Eliminated: Commander of Hezbollah's Aerial Command, Muhammad Hussein Srour, in a precise IAF strike in Beirut.' (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)