Fifth Iranian missile launch prompts warning sirens across northern Israel

The Israeli military has detected a fifth launch of ballistic missiles from Iran, intensifying a rapidly escalating confrontation between the two nations. The latest attack triggered fresh warnings, with sirens expected to sound across northern Israel within minutes.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued a brief statement early this morning confirming the latest launch. Military sources warned that further launches may follow, as Iran appears to increase its long-range offensive capabilities against Israeli territory.

The situation has grown increasingly volatile in the past 24 hours, with multiple missile barrages already reported. The IDF had earlier confirmed four ballistic missile launches from Iran. Today’s fifth launch comes just ahead of another incident: sirens were activated in Haifa and central Israel after a sixth salvo was reportedly detected.

Residents in northern towns, including those near the Lebanese border, have been urged to remain close to shelters. Authorities warned that even areas further south, such as Tel Aviv, could be within range depending on the missile trajectories.

“This is a serious escalation,” said an unnamed senior IDF official. “We’re dealing with coordinated long-range strikes from a hostile state actor. Our defences are on high alert.”

The most recent salvo was followed closely by a sixth launch, according to the IDF’s ongoing live updates. That attack prompted sirens to sound across central Israel. Initial reports suggest that at least one man in the north sustained serious injuries while trying to reach shelter.

Medical teams have been deployed to multiple locations, and hospitals have been placed on emergency footing. The injured man, according to Magen David Adom (Israel’s national emergency service), was struck by debris while running to a fortified area. He is currently undergoing surgery.

These attacks represent one of the most significant direct assaults on Israel from Iranian soil. While Iran has historically relied on proxies in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to confront Israel, the current wave of direct missile fire signals a dramatic shift in tactics.

Military analysts believe Iran’s decision to launch missiles directly from its own territory marks a strategic gamble. “This is not proxy warfare. This is state-to-state escalation,” said Yael Gutman, a Tel Aviv-based defence analyst. “Iran is signalling that it is willing to risk a broader conflict.”

So far, the IDF has activated its Arrow and David’s Sling missile defence systems to intercept incoming projectiles. Although many missiles have reportedly been neutralised mid-air, the barrage has raised concerns about Israel’s ability to withstand a prolonged campaign.

Prime Minister Benny Gantz is expected to address the nation within hours. A senior official in his office said Israel “will not tolerate continued attacks on its citizens and sovereign territory.”

Meanwhile, air traffic over northern and central Israel has been suspended. The Civil Aviation Authority has rerouted inbound flights to the south and grounded domestic travel.

International response to the crisis remains cautious but concerned. The United States condemned the missile attacks and reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security, but stopped short of calling for immediate military retaliation. European leaders urged restraint on both sides while calling for an emergency UN Security Council session.

As tension mounts, residents across Israel brace for further missile alerts. With two major salvos detected within hours—and a population on edge—the question now is whether this skirmish escalates into full-scale war.