A missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels reached central Israel, marking a rare instance of such an attack deep into Israeli territory since the onset of the Gaza war. The missile fell in an open area without causing injuries, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is investigating the interception attempt.
Video footage shared on social media revealed plumes of smoke and damage to a train station in Modi’in. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they used a “new hypersonic ballistic missile” and suggested that more strikes could follow as the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack approaches.
In response to the missile, Israeli police worked with bomb squads to manage the situation, isolating the impact area in the Judaean Foothills. Sirens were triggered across central and northern Israel, including at Tel Aviv airport, as people sought shelter.
Houthi Missile Strikes Deep into Central Israel as Regional Tensions Escalate in Gaza War
Additionally, about 40 projectiles were fired into northern Israel from Lebanon, though no injuries were reported. Some were intercepted by Israeli defenses, while others fell in open areas. An explosive drone also crossed into northern Israel but caused no damage.
Further complicating the situation, leaflets were reportedly dropped by the IDF in southern Lebanon, warning civilians to leave areas being used by Hezbollah to launch attacks on Israel.
The IDF later stated that the leaflet distribution was an independent initiative by a local military unit and had not been approved by higher command. Hezbollah, like the Houthis, has also been actively involved in attacks on Israel, raising concerns about a potential expansion of the conflict.
Tensions between Israel and the Houthi rebels have been escalating, with the Houthis regularly targeting Israel with drones and missiles in protest of the Gaza war.
While most attacks have been intercepted, they reflect a growing regional involvement. In addition to missile strikes, the Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea as part of their opposition to Israel’s military operations. Israel responded to a Houthi drone attack in July with airstrikes on Yemeni ports.
The ongoing conflict, rooted in Hamas’ October 7 cross-border attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to military retaliation in Gaza, has created heightened regional tensions.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. These developments have sparked fears of further escalation, with attacks from both the Houthis and Hezbollah potentially opening new fronts in the war.
