Missile from Yemen strikes central Israel, triggering air raid sirens

Early Sunday, a long-range missile launched from Yemen struck an open area in central Israel, prompting air raid sirens to sound, including at Ben Gurion International Airport. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the incident. The Israeli military confirmed that the explosions heard in the vicinity were due to interceptors responding to the missile threat. Footage showed passengers at the airport rushing to safe rooms and taking cover on a train, highlighting the tense atmosphere during the attack. This missile strike is part of a broader pattern of aggression from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have been targeting Israel with drones and missiles since the onset of the Gaza conflict. Most of these attacks have been intercepted over the Red Sea, but the recent missile successfully reached Israeli territory. In July, a drone attack by the Houthis resulted in casualties in Tel Aviv, leading to Israeli airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated following Hamas' attack on October 7, has intensified regional tensions, with Iran and its allied groups launching attacks against Israeli and U.S. interests. The Houthis have also targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, framing their actions as a blockade against Israel in support of the Palestinian cause, despite most targeted vessels having no ties to Israel. This incident underscores the escalating threats faced by Israel from multiple fronts, as the conflict continues to ripple across the region, drawing retaliatory actions from Israel and its allies. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further military engagements as both sides respond to ongoing provocations.