Israel’s military on Tuesday confirmed it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, following air raid sirens that rang out in several parts of the country, including Jerusalem. According to the army, the missile was destroyed mid-air by the Israeli Air Force shortly after it was detected.
The attack is believed to be the work of Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who are backed by Iran and have targeted Israel multiple times since October 2023. Their renewed assaults began after the Gaza ceasefire ended in March, responding to what they describe as Israel’s treatment of Palestinians during the war in Gaza.
Just days earlier, on Saturday, the Huthis announced they had launched a ballistic missile towards Israel. That strike marked their first public attack since Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on June 24, ending nearly two weeks of direct confrontation.
Though the Huthis had paused their attacks during the Gaza truce, they resumed missile and drone launches once Israel restarted military operations in the region. In response, Israel has carried out airstrikes targeting Huthi-controlled areas, including ports and Sanaa’s airport.
The ongoing exchanges highlight the widening impact of the Gaza conflict, pulling in regional players and raising concerns about broader instability in the Middle East.
