On Saturday evening, a missile launched from Yemen triggered air raid sirens across central Israel, forcing thousands of residents into bomb shelters. This marked an alarming escalation in regional conflict as Houthi-aligned forces expanded their reach, further straining Israel’s defense systems and increasing tensions within Israel itself.
At 7pm, sirens will sound across Central Israel.
Residents in Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion and surrounding towns reported hearing loud sirens as Israel’s Home Front Command ordered civilians into secure areas. Witnesses described scenes of panic as families rushed toward shelters. Authorities confirmed the alert had been caused by Yemen launching a long-range projectile from Yemen.
7:15 P.M. — Missile Intercepted Over the Sea
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that their Arrow missile defense system successfully intercepted an incoming projectile before it reached Israeli airspace, eliminating any risk to civilians at this time and intercepting it over the sea south of Tel Aviv as per an IDF spokesperson announcement.
Though the interception prevented casualties, falling debris reportedly landed in the Mediterranean and caused small fishing vessels to catch fire – though no injuries were reported as a result of its landing.
Houthi Alleged Responsibility Statement —
Houthi movement officials in Sana’a took credit for the launch, calling it an act of revenge against Israel’s “aggression in Gaza and support for Western interventions in the region”. A Houthi spokesman warned of additional attacks should Israel carry out military operations.
Houthi militiamen have in the past launched drones and missiles at Israel from Yemen, but Saturday marked one of the deepest strikes attempted from that nation since January.
At 8 pm. residents began reacting and making plans.
Tel Aviv residents expressed frustration and fear after spending nearly 20 minutes sheltering underground. Residents from Holon expressed this sentiment when Shlomi Katz mentioned Yemen missile threats: “We’ve lived with threats from Gaza and Lebanon for some time, but now missiles from Yemen also feel like threats,” reported Katz.
Parents posted images on social media showing children hiding inside bunkers, with many appealing for clearer communication from government about evolving threats.
8:30 P.M. — International Condemnation Meeting
U.S. State Department officials immediately condemned this attack and pledged their continued support for Israel’s defense, saying they stand with them against such destabilizing actions taken by Houthi militia members. European Union officials cautioned restraint, warning of potential regional spillover risks that could spiral out of control.
Iran — which Israel and the U.S. accuse of arming and directing Houthis militants — strongly disputes those claims, insistenceing the group acts independently.
9:00 P.M. — IDF Recommends Response Plans
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant convened an emergency security meeting in Tel Aviv and pledged that Israel would hold those responsible accountable. Although no immediate retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen were announced by security sources, an emergency meeting will likely occur soon in response to these acts of terror.
Analysis — Expanding Conflict Zone
Security analysts warn that Israel faces increasing geographical challenges to its security from rocket attacks from Gaza and Lebanon-based Hezbollah activity as well as long-range missile threats from Yemen. Security analysts point out that this latest attempt at an attack underscores how Israel faces multiple frontal attacks that are all simultaneously present threats against it.
“This incident illustrates that regional conflict has spread beyond Gaza or Lebanon,” stated Dr. Miriam Cohen, a defense analyst in Tel Aviv. The Houthis may want to show their solidarity with Palestinians; however, their real goal may be testing Israel’s air defense on multiple fronts.
10 pm — Stabilizing Situation
By late evening, Israeli authorities had lifted shelter orders but cautioned residents to remain vigilant. Additional naval patrols had also been deployed to monitor debris and possible follow-up launches.
At present, Israel believes the interception has successfully avoided casualties; however, its psychological effect on civilians and Yemen’s strategic message could lead to further confrontation.