
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that it successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen using its Arrow defense system. The missile was aimed at Israel’s central region, triggering air raid sirens across several communities in the Shephelah and central Israel.
An advance alert was issued prior to the alarm, instructing residents to prepare for a potential strike.
Following the launch, Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning: “The Houthis continue to launch Iranian missiles at Israel. As we promised – we will respond forcefully in Yemen and wherever necessary.”
Recent Strike Near Ben Gurion Airport Raises Alarm
The latest incident follows a Houthi missile strike on Sunday, which managed to breach Israeli air defenses and land in an open area near Ben Gurion Airport. The impact caused moderate to light injuries to four people.
According to an IDF statement, two advanced interception systems—the Arrow and THAAD—attempted to neutralize the missile but failed. Multiple interception attempts were made, and an investigation into the failure is ongoing. The missile impact occurred while the alarm was being sounded.
Israeli Response: Strikes on Yemen Intensify
In retaliation, Israel launched a significant airstrike campaign on Monday in the Hodeidah region of western Yemen. The IDF reported that 20 fighter jets dropped approximately 50 munitions on dozens of targets. The Houthis claimed 21 people were injured in an attack on a concrete factory, vowing that Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure would be met with further escalation.
Israel continued its operations on Tuesday, targeting Sanaa International Airport, as well as power facilities and a concrete plant north of the city. The IDF confirmed that the airport was shut down due to the operation. Arab media reported that several civilian aircraft were destroyed, and three people were killed, according to the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah channel.
Trump Announces Halt to U.S. Attacks in Yemen
In a surprising turn, U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the U.S. would cease all military operations against the Houthis.
“The Houthis have told us they don’t want to fight anymore,” Trump said. “They said they won’t attack ships anymore, and we will honor their promise. That was the goal we wanted to achieve.” Asked about the source of this information, Trump replied it came from “a very good source.”
The announcement was met with confusion and concern within the Israeli defense establishment. When asked whether the Houthi commitment to halt attacks also applied to missile launches against Israel, the White House declined to elaborate.
Despite Trump's statement, senior Houthi officials later declared they would continue military operations against Israel, rejecting any suggestion of a broader ceasefire.
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