Did Yemen's Houthis Launch a Missile at Israel?
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Synopsis
Tensions escalate as Yemen's Houthi group claims responsibility for a missile strike on Israel, citing retaliation for alleged Israeli aggression. The missile disrupted air traffic and prompted Israeli citizens to seek shelter. As regional conflicts intensify, the implications for security and diplomacy in the Middle East become increasingly significant.
Key Takeaways
- The Houthi group claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Israel.
- The missile disrupted air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport.
- This attack is a response to perceived Israeli aggression.
- The Houthis threaten to target unidentified vessels in critical waterways.
- The situation reflects escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Sanaa, Sep 26 (NationPress) The Houthi faction from Yemen announced on Friday that it had initiated a missile strike targeting Israel.
In a broadcast by the Houthi-operated al-Masirah television, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea declared that a "hypersonic ballistic missile" was directed at a "sensitive target" located in the Jaffa region of southern Tel Aviv on the night of Thursday.
According to Sarea, the missile resulted in a temporary disruption of air operations at Ben Gurion Airport, prompting numerous Israeli citizens to seek refuge in shelters.
Sarea indicated that this missile offensive was a reaction to what he termed "Israeli aggression" against the Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip, along with recent Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's capital, Sanaa.
Additionally, Sarea cautioned that all commercial and military vessels navigating the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea must declare their identities to the Houthi forces, or they risk being attacked, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In a statement issued on Thursday night, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that their aerial defense systems had intercepted a missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen, shortly after Israel conducted multiple airstrikes on Houthi positions in Sanaa, resulting in eight fatalities and 142 injuries.
The IDF noted that the strikes on Sanaa were a retaliation for the Houthi drone attack on Eilat, a southern Israeli port city, which led to injuries for 20 individuals.
Since November 2023, the Houthis, who dominate northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have been actively executing missile and drone strikes against Israel and targeting Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea.
On September 25, a drone from Yemen hit the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat, injuring at least 20 people, with two in serious condition, according to reports from Israel's emergency medical service and military.
The national ambulance service, Magen David Adom, reported on Wednesday evening that the two severely injured victims, both in their 60s, sustained critical limb injuries. Another individual was moderately hurt by shrapnel, while others suffered lighter injuries primarily from shrapnel and bruises.
The drone explosion occurred in the city center, particularly in a tourist area near the Club Hotel, a large beachfront facility, according to the state-owned broadcaster Kan. Reports indicated that Israel's air defense system attempted to intercept the drone twice but was unsuccessful.
This incident coincided with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, when Eilat is usually bustling with Israeli vacationers.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of reporting on these developments with objectivity. The recent missile launch by Yemen's Houthis towards Israel underscores the complex and volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Our coverage aims to provide insights into the motivations and repercussions of such actions while remaining committed to factual reporting and the implications for national and international security.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the missile attack by Yemen's Houthis?
The Houthis claim the missile attack was in response to what they describe as Israeli aggression in Gaza and airstrikes on their capital, Sanaa.
What were the consequences of the missile attack?
The missile caused disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport and led to numerous Israeli citizens seeking shelter.
How has Israel responded to the Houthi missile launch?
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed intercepting the missile and stated that their airstrikes on Sanaa were a retaliation for prior Houthi drone attacks.
What is the significance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in this conflict?
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime route, and the Houthis have warned that vessels not identifying themselves may face attacks.
What historical context is relevant to this situation?
The Houthis have been launching attacks against Israel since November 2023, indicating a significant escalation in hostilities in the region.
