BEIRUT – In an unprecedented move, Hezbollah launched its first ballistic missile at Tel Aviv on Wednesday, setting off alarm sirens across the Israeli coastal city. The Israeli military swiftly responded, claiming that its David’s Sling air defense system successfully intercepted the missile before it could cause any damage. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the missile, a Qader-1, was aimed at the Mossad headquarters located at the Glilot military base north of Tel Aviv. Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported.

This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it is the first time Hezbollah has targeted Tel Aviv with a ballistic missile, more than 100 kilometers from the Lebanese border. The attack comes amid rising tensions following deadly explosions in Lebanon last week, which Hezbollah has attributed to Israeli intelligence operations.

Hezbollah’s Retaliatory Strike

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the missile strike, stating that it was in retaliation for Israel’s alleged involvement in the assassination of Fouad Shukur, a senior Hezbollah commander. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had vowed revenge in a late August speech, accusing Mossad of orchestrating deadly explosions in Beirut and other areas that killed 42 people and wounded thousands.

While Hezbollah’s missile attack represents a new level of aggression, the Israeli army stated it had received intelligence about the operation ahead of time, enabling them to intercept the missile. According to the IDF, the Qader-1 missile was intercepted in mid-flight before it could reach its intended target at the Mossad headquarters.

The Qader-1 Ballistic Missile: Key Specifications

The Qader-1, also known as Ghadr in Persian, is an intermediate-range ballistic missile developed by Iran. It is a variant of the Shahab-3 missile, a key component of Iran’s missile arsenal. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Qader-1 has a range of 1,600 to 1,950 kilometers, making it capable of striking targets well within Israeli territory from Lebanon.

Measuring between 15.86 and 16.6 meters in length and with a diameter of approximately 1.25 to 1.38 meters, the missile carries a warhead weighing between 750 and 800 kilograms. The missile is powered by a multi-stage rocket, which propels it during the initial phase of flight before it follows a ballistic trajectory toward its target.

The missile is reportedly equipped with advanced guidance systems, including active internal radar, which enables it to adjust its flight path mid-course to increase accuracy. This makes the Qader-1 a formidable weapon in Hezbollah’s growing missile arsenal.

A Strategic Weapon in the Region

The Qader-1 is a relatively modern addition to Iran’s ballistic missile program, first unveiled in 2007 and used operationally in 2015. It was initially designed as an anti-ship missile, capable of striking naval targets at sea, but has since been adapted for surface-to-surface attacks. This versatility, along with its long range, makes it a strategic weapon in the hands of Hezbollah, significantly increasing the group’s offensive capabilities.

According to reports by Saudi-based Al-Arabiya, the Qader-1 has also been used by Houthi rebels in Yemen, demonstrating its operational versatility across different theaters of conflict in the Middle East. However, Wednesday’s missile strike marked the first confirmed use of this missile by Hezbollah against Israeli targets.

The Role of Israel’s David’s Sling Defense System

In response to the attack, Israel deployed its David’s Sling air defense system, which was developed to counter medium-to-long-range ballistic threats. The system is designed to intercept missiles at high altitudes and can engage targets at ranges of up to 300 kilometers. The successful interception of the Qader-1 missile highlights the capabilities of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense network, which includes Iron Dome and Arrow systems to protect against a variety of aerial threats.

Escalation in the Region

This missile strike represents a significant escalation in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. While Hezbollah has previously launched rockets and smaller projectiles into Israel, this is the first confirmed use of a ballistic missile aimed at a major Israeli city. The fact that the target was the Mossad headquarters underscores the symbolic nature of the attack, which Hezbollah framed as direct retaliation for Israeli operations in Lebanon.

As tensions continue to rise in the region, both sides remain on high alert. Israel has vowed to respond forcefully to any further attacks, while Hezbollah’s leadership has indicated that it is prepared for further escalation. The use of ballistic missiles in this conflict introduces a new layer of complexity, as both sides possess increasingly sophisticated weaponry capable of striking deep into enemy territory.

Conclusion

Hezbollah’s use of the Qader-1 missile to target Tel Aviv marks a dangerous escalation in its ongoing conflict with Israel. While Israel’s defense systems successfully intercepted the missile, the attack signals Hezbollah’s increasing reliance on advanced Iranian-supplied weapons and the potential for greater destruction in future clashes. As the situation unfolds, the risk of further escalation remains high, with both sides unwilling to back down. For now, Israel’s David’s Sling defense system has proven crucial in maintaining the balance, but the growing missile capabilities of Hezbollah raise concerns about the future security of the region.