Middle East Conflict Update: Israel Alleges Hezbollah Missile Targeting Mossad Was Headed for Tel Aviv Civilians

Department of Strategic Security and Military Research and Studies 25-09-2024

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that a missile intercepted recently was en route to civilian areas in Tel Aviv. This comes after Hezbollah claimed it was aiming at Mossad headquarters. Israeli spokesperson Shoshani, addressing the media, clarified that while the missile was aimed at a part of the city, it wasn’t directed at the Mossad’s actual location.

“The Mossad headquarters isn’t situated in that region. It’s farther east and north of the area,” Shoshani explained. He further noted that the missile prompted alarms in both Netanya and Tel Aviv along Israel’s coastal region.

Shoshani emphasized that Hezbollah appeared to be escalating the situation. However, he reiterated that Israel views any attack on its citizens, whether in Tel Aviv or Haifa, as a serious threat. “We will not tolerate any aggression toward Israel. Our actions are aimed at defending our people and eliminating the threats posed to us,” he said.

In the past few weeks, Israeli strikes have reportedly neutralized a substantial portion of Hezbollah’s arsenal and disrupted its chain of command. Shoshani mentioned that despite Hezbollah’s efforts to amplify their assaults on Israel, their operational capacity has been diminished.

At the outset of the conflict, Israel estimated that Hezbollah possessed around 150,000 missiles. Shoshani declined to disclose how many have been destroyed so far.

In response to ongoing threats, Israel has implemented stricter measures, including school closures, in the northern regions, particularly in Haifa. Over a million Israelis are now living under these restrictions, though many have likely relocated south to stay with family and friends, Shoshani added.