A missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Hamas, struck central Israel on Sunday in a rare escalation, further intensifying tensions nearly a year into the Gaza conflict. Though the missile strike did not result in any casualties, it heightened concerns across the region.
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Houthi rebels, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that a ballistic missile had been used, which managed to “penetrate” Israel’s defense systems. However, Israeli officials later reported that the missile likely fragmented in mid-air, with a military spokesperson explaining that while interception efforts were made, the missile was not entirely destroyed.
Since November, the Houthi rebels have launched multiple missile and drone attacks on Israel and its associated interests, as an expression of their solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. These strikes have also affected global shipping routes around Yemen. In a speech commemorating the birth of Prophet Mohammed, the Houthi leader hinted at further action, declaring that their operations would persist as long as Israel’s “aggression and siege on Gaza” continued.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the Iran-backed Houthis would face severe consequences for their actions. The missile strike caused a fire and some damage near Tel Aviv, Israel’s major commercial center. Several civilians sustained minor injuries as they rushed to shelters when air raid sirens blared. There was also damage reported at a train station in Modiin, southeast of Tel Aviv, where an air-defense interceptor fragment was found.
The Houthis, who claim to have targeted an Israeli military site, are one of several Iranian-backed groups that have become involved in the Gaza conflict. Hamas, whose October 7 attack initially triggered the war, praised the Houthi missile strike, reiterating that Israel would not find security unless it ceased its aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
