Missile from Yemen Triggers Nationwide Alarms: Intercepted by Arrow System

 A missile launched from Yemen was intercepted over central Israel during large-scale public demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the IDF confirmed Thursday night. The interception occurred as thousands gathered in protests against the government in Tel Aviv and against the judicial system in the capital.

Air raid sirens were activated around Jerusalem, the Dead Sea region, Judean Lowlands, and Samaria, but notably not in Tel Aviv or the central region. The IDF Spokesperson initially stated that defense systems were activated and later confirmed the successful interception of the incoming threat.
No casualties or physical damage were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA).

The launch briefly disrupted operations at Ben Gurion Airport, delaying several incoming flights, including an El Al flight from Tokyo. Airport traffic resumed shortly thereafter.

Demonstrators Take Cover as Alarms Sound

As the missile threat emerged:

• In Tel Aviv, protest organizers instructed participants to sit down and protect their heads. Demonstrators responded by singing the song “A Very Narrow Bridge” in a show of unity.

• In Jerusalem, where crowds were gathered near the Knesset and Prime Minister’s Office, an announcement on stage reassured attendees that they were in a protected area. A police officer instructed demonstrators to lie on the ground and remain still until the danger had passed.

• Despite the alarms, Mashina’s concert at Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem and Monica Sex’s performance at Mini Israel in Latrun continued uninterrupted.

Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility

Roughly two hours after the incident, the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen claimed responsibility. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Sarie, said the missile targeted Ben Gurion Airport in retaliation for:

1. What they described as “starvation” conditions in Gaza, and

2. The IDF’s attacks earlier in the evening on Hezbollah drone production sites in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district.

Pattern of Escalation from Yemen

This marks the second missile launch from Yemen in the past week. On Tuesday night, a similar launch triggered alarms across central Israel—including the Dan Bloc, Shephelah, and Sharon regions. That missile was also successfully intercepted, and a fragment fell on a private home in Modi’in, causing property damage but no injuries.

Israeli authorities remain on high alert as long-range threats from Yemen continue amid ongoing military operations and regional instability.