Houthi missile strikes Israel, sparks fear during Passover
- Yemen's Houthi terrorists launched a ballistic missile on April 13, 2025, targeting central Israel.
- The missile was intercepted by the IDF, with no injuries or damage reported across affected cities.
- The recent attacks mark a significant escalation following a relative pause in hostilities, demonstrating ongoing regional tensions.
On April 13, 2025, Yemen launched a ballistic missile targeting Israel, resulting in sirens sounding across major cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The attack occurred at 6:15 p.m., coinciding with the first day of the Passover holiday, leading millions of Israeli citizens to seek refuge in bomb shelters. Fortunately, the missile was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and no injuries or significant damage were reported. The interception left large pieces of shrapnel landing in the Hebron area, marking a tense moment during the holiday celebrations. Previously, on the same day, multiple rockets were fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, but these were successfully intercepted as well. This spike in missile activity comes after more than two weeks of relative calm, following a previous Houthi missile attack on March 30, which had also triggered alarm sirens but resulted in no injuries or damages. On April 12, the IDF had downed an explosive drone launched from Yemen prior to its entry into Israeli territory. The increase in attacks reflects the Houthis' declaration to execute an aerial blockade of Ben-Gurion Airport as part of their support for Gaza. Since October 2023, they have released hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israel, claiming to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Their aggression has been countered by ongoing American airstrikes targeting their assets in Yemen. This backdrop highlights the intensity and complexity of the regional conflict, where various factions are vying for influence amidst heightened military engagements.