Hezbollah Fires Surface-to-Air Missile at Israeli Fighter Jet

Hezbollah fired a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli fighter jet on Tuesday, the IDF confirmed. The missile missed the aircraft. Officials described the weapon as primitive. Until now the air force had operated with complete air supremacy and essentially no threats to the safety of its fighter jets.

The incident is the first time Hezbollah has used such a weapon against an Israeli jet during the current conflict. Officials said the development could affect future operations even if the weapon itself is limited in capability. The IDF reported that the air force followed up by firing on the Hezbollah operative who launched the missile as he attempted to escape on a motorcycle.

It remained unclear whether the operative was hit.

The use of a surface-to-air missile, even one characterized as basic, marks a shift from prior conditions in which Israeli jets faced no meaningful aerial threats. Officials noted that if such weapons are now available to Hezbollah it could require changes to how air operations are conducted going forward.

The incident may have been an isolated event. The IDF stated that the fighter jet was not damaged and continued its mission without interruption.