Israel’s missile defence system is reportedly becoming overwhelmed, with its capacity to intercept incoming attacks at risk of being exhausted within weeks if fresh interceptor supplies are not delivered by the US, according to The Washington Post, which cited an unnamed source familiar with the matter.
“They will need to select what they want to intercept,” the source was quoted as saying. “The system is already overwhelmed.”
The warning comes amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, as Tehran threatened further strikes on major Israeli cities. Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, urged residents of Tel Aviv and Haifa to evacuate, warning of imminent “punitive” attacks.
“Residents of the occupied territories, especially Tel Aviv and Haifa, are strongly urged to leave these areas for the sake of their lives,” Mousavi said in remarks reported by Iranian media.
At the same time, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that a search operation was underway for an Israeli pilot whose aircraft was reportedly shot down in the southwestern province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
“An Israeli enemy aircraft was targeted… and a search is underway for its pilot,” the report said, without offering further details.
In response, Israel’s military announced a new wave of air strikes inside Iran. According to the Israeli army, its fighter jets struck “12 missile launch and storage sites” on Tuesday. The military also claimed that an earlier strike in Tehran killed Major General Ali Shadmani, a senior Iranian commander.
Meanwhile, Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said the conflict would not end until Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow is targeted. Speaking to Channel 12, he said damaging the site was a key military objective.
Located near the city of Qom, the Fordow facility is buried deep inside a mountain and heavily fortified. Military analysts say Israel would require assistance from the US, including the use of massive bombers and specialised munitions, to effectively breach the site’s defences.
