Missile Intercepted: Israel Thwarts Houthi Attack Amid Rising Tensions in Middle East
Israel’s military successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen early Thursday, marking a significant escalation in hostilities with the Iran-backed Houthi militants.
The interception comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to hold Iran accountable for its perceived support of the Yemeni group, further intensifying tensions in the region.
The Israeli military confirmed that the missile was shot down before entering its airspace. “A missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF prior to crossing into Israeli territory. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol,” the Israeli military said in a statement, referring to its air force.
Residents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were jolted by air raid sirens following the missile launch. The Israeli ambulance service confirmed that no serious injuries were reported.
The Houthis, who have faced multiple U.S. airstrikes since Saturday in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping, claimed responsibility for the missile launch. In a televised statement, a spokesperson for the group said they had fired a ballistic missile toward Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
The militants, undeterred by American military actions, have vowed to escalate their attacks, including those targeting Israel. The group has justified its aggression as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
U.S. forces have been conducting a widespread military operation against the Houthis, marking the largest American intervention in the Middle East since Trump assumed office in January. The ongoing strikes have reportedly killed at least 31 people.
On Monday, Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying he would hold Iran accountable for future Houthi attacks and promising “severe consequences.” However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards dismissed these allegations, stating that the Houthis operate independently and make their own strategic decisions.
Tuesday saw further escalation as the Houthis announced plans to expand their missile attacks on Israel. The group cited recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as justification for its continued aggression.
Since Israel’s war with Hamas began in late 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, significantly disrupting global trade. These actions have forced the U.S. to undertake costly military operations to intercept the militants’ missiles and drones.
The Houthis are part of the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of anti-Israel and anti-Western militias that includes Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and various armed factions in Iraq—all of which receive support from Iran.
With tensions in the Middle East reaching new heights, Israel remains on high alert. The ongoing missile threats, coupled with U.S. involvement and Iran’s backing of regional militias, point to the possibility of a broader conflict.
