The missile launched by Houthi militants from Yemen towards Israel marks an escalation in hostilities, which comes in the context of intensified U.S. military strikes on the Houthis and rising tensions over their support for Palestinian factions. The missile was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force before it could reach Israeli territory, and sirens were triggered in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This missile attack is part of a broader series of Houthi retaliations for U.S. actions and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
The U.S. military strikes on the Houthis began as a response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping and have resulted in casualties. President Trump has warned Iran, accusing it of supporting the Houthis and threatening consequences for any further Houthi attacks. Iran, however, has denied involvement, with its Revolutionary Guards stating that the Houthis operate independently.
The Houthis, who have also targeted shipping and carried out over 100 attacks since late 2023, have pledged to intensify their strikes against Israel, in what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.