Did Israel Successfully Intercept a Missile from Yemen?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.
- Air raid sirens activated in multiple Israeli cities.
- No casualties or damage have been reported from the interception.
- The missile launch was reportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike.
- Ongoing tensions between Israel and the Houthis continue to escalate.
Jerusalem, Aug 18 (NationPress) The military of Israel has reported that it successfully intercepted a missile that was launched from Yemen targeting central Israel. This missile was reportedly fired in response to a prior Israeli airstrike.
The missile warning sirens activated in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities on Sunday afternoon, prompting residents to seek shelter as tens of thousands protested in the streets demanding the release of hostages and an end to the conflict in Gaza, as covered by Xinhua news agency.
No casualties or property damage have been reported.
In a statement, the Israeli military mentioned, "After the sirens were activated earlier in several regions of Israel, a missile launched from Yemen has been intercepted by the IAF (Israel Air Force)."
The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, reacted on social media by asserting that the Houthis "will face severe consequences for any missile attacks on Israel."
The Houthi group has not yet responded to this incident.
This missile attack occurred shortly after an Israeli airstrike targeted a power plant near Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, on Sunday morning.
According to Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV, the strike resulted in the shutdown of electricity generators at the site, but there were no reported injuries.
The Israeli military confirmed that it targeted an energy infrastructure site utilized by the Houthis, and stated the strike was a "response" to ongoing missile and drone attacks against Israel.
Since November 2023, the Houthis, who hold significant territory in northern Yemen, have been launching assaults on Israeli targets, claiming these actions support the Palestinians during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In retaliation, Israel has executed airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions, including Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeidah.
Since the resumption of the offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on March 18, the Houthis have launched around 70 ballistic missiles and over 22 drones at Israel, with several missiles failing to reach their target.
The alarm was raised in various locations, including Tel Aviv-Yafo, Holon, Kfar Saba, Kfar Kasem, Kfar Shmaryahu, Herzliya, Rosh HaAyin, Ramla, Modi'in-Maccabim-Reut, Rishon LeZion, Ramat Hasharon, Ra'anana, Givat Shmuel, Elad, Be'er Ya'akov, Givatayim, Ramat Gan, Rehovot, Beit Shemesh, Netanya, Ness Ziona, Kiryat Ono, Yehud Monoson, Lod, Mikveh Israel, Shoham, Bat Yam, Or Yehuda, Bnei Brak, Mevaseret Zion, Hod Hasharon, Petah Tikva, Savyon, and Tira.