On Friday, air raid sirens were activated across central Israel due to a missile attack from Houthi forces, the third incident in three days. The IDF intercepted the missile without injuries reported. The attacks are claimed to be retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza, raising security concerns and flight disruptions at local airports.
On late Friday, air raid sirens rang across central Israel and the West Bank due to a Houthi missile attack from Yemen, representing the third such attack within the span of three days. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully intercepted the missile outside of Israeli airspace, which led to widespread alerts regarding potential debris from the interceptor, subsequently causing flight delays at local airports. Fortunately, no injuries or property damages were reported, and the Magen David Adom emergency service reported no incidents following the attack.
This missile attack followed a previous launch by the Houthis on Thursday, during which they claimed to have fired a ‘Palestine 2’ hypersonic ballistic missile aimed at Ben Gurion Airport. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree asserted that the attack was a retaliation for perceived massacres against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Multiple incoming flights to Ben Gurion Airport were briefly rerouted, including an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi and an El Al flight from London, yet they were subsequently approved for landing.
The missile strike coincided with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s speech in the Knesset concerning an impending budget vote. Alerts displayed on television screens prompted Knesset staff to inform lawmakers of the situation. Despite the unfolding events, Smotrich initially questioned why he could not hear any alarms while continuing his address. Knesset protocol stipulates that lawmakers must evacuate only if a specific alert is issued for the parliament.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was not present in the Knesset during the incident, took refuge in a secure location. Following his departure from the office, he stated to Channel 14, “The Houthis are already paying — and they will pay more.” This incident marks the second missile attack on Israel by the Houthis in as many days, following an earlier attempt targeting Be’er Sheva that was intercepted over Saudi Arabia by the Arrow air defense system. The Houthis claimed that their actions were in retaliation for Israeli military operations occurring in Gaza, issuing a warning that their target list could expand should hostilities persist.
The recent barrage of missile strikes from Houthi forces in Yemen against Israel underscores a significant escalation in hostilities. The successful interception by the IDF highlights the operational readiness of Israel’s defense systems, while the situation continues to heighten tensions in the region. Officials remain vigilant, reflecting on the need for heightened security and diplomatic intervention as these hostilities develop.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
