Tel Aviv | June 28, 2025 — A ballistic missile launched from Yemen early Saturday was “most likely” intercepted before reaching Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The missile, believed to have been fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, triggered air raid sirens across southern Israel, including in Beersheba, Arad, and Dimona.No injuries or damages have been reported. The military confirmed that aerial defense systems were deployed in response to the threat, and initial assessments suggest a successful interception.This latest attempt is part of a months-long campaign by the Houthis, who have claimed repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel in solidarity with Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. While most of these attempts have either failed or been intercepted, they have raised regional tensions and prompted international concern, especially due to their potential to disrupt Red Sea maritime security.Earlier this month, Israel carried out a rare naval strike on Yemen’s port city of Hodeida—marking a significant escalation in its military response to the Houthi threat. Israeli officials have warned that continued attacks may lead to further retaliatory measures, including air and sea blockades.The IDF said it remains on high alert and is monitoring the situation closely. Meanwhile, global observers fear the conflict risks spilling further across the region as both sides show no signs of de-escalation.
