Israel Increases Missile Warning Time for Long-Range Threats from Yemen
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Synopsis
Israel has increased its missile warning time for long-range threats from Yemen by three to five minutes to enhance civilian safety during renewed missile attacks from Houthi forces, according to the military's Home Front Command.
Key Takeaways
- Missile alert time extended by 3-5 minutes.
- New protocol allows early alerts via mobile app.
- Warnings aim to enhance civilian preparedness.
- Initial alerts will use notification sounds instead of sirens.
- Public advised to follow Home Front Command instructions.
Jerusalem, April 18 (NationPress) Israel has enhanced its missile alert duration for long-range dangers from Yemen by three to five minutes, as stated by the military's Home Front Command.
The revamped system, implemented on Thursday, seeks to provide civilians with additional time to access shelters and safe rooms amidst escalating missile assaults from Houthi forces, following Israel's renewed air and ground operations in Gaza since March.
Previously, Israelis had approximately one minute to seek shelter after receiving a siren alert for long-range missiles, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
For short-range rockets launched from Gaza, warning durations differ by location, spanning from around 15 seconds in communities adjacent to the enclave to nearly one minute in the Tel Aviv area.
Under the revised protocol, an initial alert will be communicated via the Home Front Command's mobile application in vulnerable regions, using a notification sound rather than the conventional rising and falling siren.
Furthermore, an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) message will be disseminated, indicating that missile launches from Yemen towards Israel could happen within the next few minutes and that the public should adhere to the Home Front Command's directives, the military announced in a statement.
The goal of the advance warning is to facilitate early preparation, allowing civilians to move to nearby shelters and receive updates from official sources,” the statement continued.
Commencing Thursday, in the event of missile attacks from Yemen, the Home Front Command will issue an early warning via its app to those in potentially threatened areas. This alert will provide individuals with three to five minutes to get ready for shelter before sirens are activated.
The IDF clarified that the early alert does not necessitate immediate sheltering, as it is designed to give individuals more time to prepare and feel secure.
The early alert will be sent out to a broad area at risk, although sirens may only activate in specific locations. The military noted that there might be instances where individuals receive an early alert, but no sirens activate in their vicinity.
This new update to the Home Front Command app follows several weeks of trials, staff evaluations, and public feedback, as stated by the command.
Since October 2023, Houthi forces in Yemen have executed numerous missile and drone strikes towards Israel, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians amidst Israel's offensive in Gaza.
Additionally, Iran has conducted two retaliatory strikes, launching around 400 missiles and drones, according to Israeli data.
