A new hypersonic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis reached central Israel on Sunday. This marks the first time a Houthi missile has penetrated so deep into Israeli territory. The missile, which traveled over 2,000 kilometers, was intercepted in mid-air. Despite this, debris fell in several areas, causing alarm across Israel.
Missile Reaches Central Israel
The missile was launched early Sunday morning. Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and nearby areas at around 6:35 a.m. local time. Residents quickly ran for cover. Loud booms echoed as Israel’s air defense systems attempted to intercept the missile. According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea, the missile traveled 2,040 kilometers in just 11 minutes.
Although the missile was intercepted, fragments still reached the ground. Debris landed in fields and near a railway station. No direct casualties were reported. However, nine people were lightly injured while seeking shelter. Smoke was seen rising from a field in central Israel, signaling the extent of the damage.
Netanyahu Promises Retaliation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded firmly. He warned the Houthis of serious consequences for attacking Israel. “Israel will exact a heavy price,” Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting. He pointed to a previous Israeli airstrike in July. That attack was in response to a Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu’s words suggest more retaliatory strikes could follow. He mentioned the port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, which was the target of previous Israeli air raids. The Prime Minister also noted the growing missile and drone attacks from the Houthis. These strikes are seen as a show of solidarity with Palestinians since the Gaza war began in October.
Houthis Threaten More Attacks
The Houthis have promised more strikes on Israel. They view these attacks as part of their support for Gaza. Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesman, declared that future strikes will continue. He stated that this latest missile was just the beginning.
Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of the Houthis’ media office, echoed these claims. He posted on social media that the missile reached Israel after “20 missiles failed to intercept it.” Amer called this a “new beginning.” The Houthis also warned that more attacks will come as the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaches.
Rising Regional Tensions
This missile strike marks a dangerous escalation in the region. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have controlled northern Yemen since 2014. They have launched missiles and drones toward Israel in the past, but those attacks had not reached deep into Israeli airspace. Until now, most strikes landed near southern areas like the Red Sea port of Eilat.
For Israel, this new development is concerning. The hypersonic missile shows that the Houthis are improving their military capabilities. Israel’s defense systems, while successful in intercepting the missile, still allowed debris to reach populated areas. The strike exposed vulnerabilities that may encourage further attacks from the Houthis.
A Broader Conflict?
This situation is becoming increasingly volatile. The Houthis are using these attacks to align with Iran and Hamas. Their missile strikes serve both as a show of power and a political message. The Gaza war and Israel’s airstrikes on Yemen fuel this cycle of violence.
Netanyahu’s government will likely continue retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi targets. This could lead to a broader conflict in the region. Both sides seem prepared for more violence. As tensions escalate, more missile strikes could soon follow, threatening greater instability across the Middle East.