Missile Attack from Yemen Strikes Central Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict

Missile Attack from Yemen Strikes Central Israel

A long-range missile launched from Yemen struck an open area in central Israel early on Sunday, as confirmed by the Israeli military. This incident marks yet another significant development in the ongoing conflict stemming from nearly a year of warfare in Gaza.

The early morning missile attack triggered air raid sirens throughout the region, including at Israel’s international airport. Footage broadcasted by Israeli media depicted passengers scrambling for shelter in response to the alarms. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or structural damage, and airport authorities announced that operations resumed shortly after the incident.

Local media reported a visible fire in a rural area of central Israel, while images revealed what appeared to be a fragment of either the missile or an interceptor that had landed on an escalator at a train station in the central town of Modiin. The military clarified that the sounds of explosions in the vicinity were the result of interceptors engaging the incoming threat.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen have previously launched numerous drones and missiles targeting Israel since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, with the majority being intercepted over the Red Sea. A post on X from the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen news agency indicated that Yemen was responsible for the latest attack, and it promised further details about the intended target later on Sunday.

In July, an Iranian-made drone deployed by the Houthis managed to strike Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality and injuries to ten others. In retaliation, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. The Houthis have also intensified attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which they frame as a blockade against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Notably, most of the vessels targeted have had no direct links to Israel.

The war in Gaza, ignited by Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, has had far-reaching implications across the Middle East. Iran and allied militant factions have escalated their attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests, prompting retaliatory strikes from Israel and its Western allies. These exchanges have raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict erupting in the region.

Iran maintains support for various militant groups, including Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah, its most formidable ally based in Lebanon. Hezbollah has engaged in frequent exchanges of fire with Israel since the conflict in Gaza began. Iran and its affiliates assert that their actions are a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

On Sunday morning, the Israeli military reported that around 40 projectiles were launched from Lebanon, with most being intercepted or landing in uninhabited areas. The ongoing strikes along the Israel-Lebanon border have resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands on both sides. In response to these threats, Israel has consistently hinted at the possibility of a more extensive military operation against Hezbollah, aiming to restore safety and allow citizens to return to their homes.