The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the detection of a missile launched from Yemen aimed at southern Israel early Saturday morning. The projectile triggered sirens across parts of southern Israel, prompting swift military response measures. According to a statement issued by the IDF, the missile was “most likely successfully intercepted,” though further confirmation is pending.
The source of the missile has not been officially identified, but it comes amid a pattern of regional hostilities involving the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have previously threatened action against Israel and U.S. military assets. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023, missile and drone attacks originating from Yemen have increased in frequency, often targeting Israeli territory and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
This latest development follows weeks of heightened tension in the region, including U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and a short-lived military exchange between Israel and Iran. A ceasefire was declared on June 24, with both sides halting direct attacks after nearly two weeks of conflict. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, via a post on Truth Social, had indicated the truce was imminent just hours before the announcement.
Earlier this year, Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree warned that the group would strike U.S. ships in the Red Sea if America intervened on Israel’s behalf in its standoff with Iran. The Houthis have previously targeted maritime traffic in the strategic waterway, disrupting global trade routes and intensifying regional instability.
The IDF has not released further operational details about the interception but has assured citizens that defense systems are on high alert. Analysts believe the attempted missile strike may be a signal of lingering tensions in the wake of the recent ceasefire and ongoing hostilities involving non-state actors in the Middle East.
