Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Apr 18: Israel's military has extended its missile warning time for long-range threats from Yemen, increasing it by three to five minutes, as part of a new update aimed at improving civilian safety. The updated warning system, effective from Thursday, comes amid ongoing missile attacks by Houthi forces after Israel resumed air and ground assaults on Gaza in March.

Previously, Israelis had just one minute to reach shelter upon receiving a missile warning for long-range threats. With the new protocol, a preliminary alert will be sent through the Home Front Command’s mobile app, providing people in at-risk areas with three to five minutes of warning time before the sirens sound.

The early alert, which will not require immediate sheltering but will give civilians time to prepare, is intended to improve public safety during missile threats. In addition, the Home Front Command will distribute a specific message, informing the public that missile fire from Yemen may occur and urging them to follow official instructions.

The update to the alert system follows several weeks of trials and feedback. The extension of warning time applies to potential missile fire from Yemen, with sirens sounding in specific areas as needed.

Since October 2023, Yemen’s Houthi forces have launched multiple missile and drone attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.