Houthi missile evades Israeli air defense, reaches central Israel
Israeli officer inspecting the impact area of the Houthi missile that targeted Israel. (Photo via X)
A missile launched from Yemen reached central Israel on Sunday, the Israeli military confirmed, causing minor damage and no significant casualties.
The incident raised concerns about the performance of Israel’s air defense systems, which have mostly intercepted such threats in the past.
Sirens echoed across Tel Aviv and communities as far as Modiin, located in the Jerusalem foothills, alerting residents to seek shelter.
According to Israeli medics, nine individuals sustained minor injuries during the rush to shelters.
Israeli air defense systems activated
Israeli police released images of a damaged escalator and shattered glass, attributing the damage to an interceptor missile.
The Israeli fire department also reported a brush fire near the village of Kfar Yona, which was quickly contained.
Israeli military sources confirmed that both the high-altitude Arrow interceptor and the short-range Iron Dome were activated during the missile strike.
However, a military spokesperson stated: “The result of the interception is under review,” without elaborating further.
Houthi missile launch towards Israel
The missile launch was attributed to Houthis operating from Yemen, approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) away. The Houthis have expressed support to Hamas, which has conflicted with Israel from Gaza for nearly a year.
In addition to the Houthis, Hezbollah in Lebanon, also aligned with Iran, has launched similar attacks on Israel.
A study published by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in February detailed the capabilities of Houthi missiles, including the Toofan missile, which boasts a range of 1,950 kilometers and is modeled after Iran’s Shahab-3.
The missile can carry a warhead weighing up to 800 kilograms (1,764 pounds).
There was no immediate comment from the Houthis regarding Sunday’s strike.
Houthi’s statements
Senior Houthi member tweets in Hebrew, suggesting those “in shelters or out of them” should listen to the leader of the Houthis this afternoon.
“Whether you are in underground shelters or out of them, you must listen carefully this afternoon to what this great leader, who speaks the truth and acts with integrity, will say.”
Houthi military spokesperson also announced an upcoming “important statement” for 11:30 p.m. in local time related to a “qualitative military operation targeting the depth of the Zionist enemy entity.”
Escalation of tensions
In July, a Houthi drone successfully evaded Israeli defenses and struck Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality.
Israel responded to that incident by targeting the Yemeni port of Hodeidah in retaliation.
