Israel’s defense systems intercepted an incoming rocket, reporting no fatalities.
On Monday, the Houthi movement in Yemen claimed responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile that allegedly hit a target near Tel Aviv. Israel countered that the missile was intercepted before impact, resulting in no casualties.
For months, this Yemeni Shia group has blockaded the Red Sea and launched missile and drone attacks against Israel, aiming to disrupt Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced on televised Monday broadcast that a hypersonic missile successfully struck a military target near Tel Aviv, hailing the operation as a success.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed intercepting a missile launched from Yemen before it breached Israeli airspace. Air raid sirens were activated in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas as a precaution against potential shrapnel injuries.
According to the IDF, the missile remnants landed in the West Bank without causing harm.
Israeli emergency services reported five minor injuries among civilians seeking shelter in Tel Aviv, Petah Tikvah, Kfar Saba, Holon, and Em Hamoshavot.
Since November, the Houthis have launched at least five drone and six ballistic missile attacks against Israel. Last week, a drone strike on a building in Yavne caused substantial property damage but no casualties. Israeli media reported that the IDF mistakenly classified this drone as non-threatening, hence the failure to activate sirens.
Reports suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is preparing a retaliatory strike on Yemen in response to these missile attacks. Israel previously conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets in July and September.
Local media reported that the US and UK conducted strikes against Houthi positions in Hodeidah province on Sunday.
Following Hamas’ October 7th attacks on Israel, Israel launched a military operation. The Houthis have responded by targeting Israeli vessels in the Red Sea and subsequently expanded their targets to include US and UK-linked ships. These Houthi actions have significantly disrupted global maritime traffic.