IDF Intercepts Ballistic Missile Launched by Houthis

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen. The missile, believed to have been fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group, was destroyed by Israeli air defenses before entering Israeli territory.

Fragments of the missile reportedly landed near Beit Shemesh, west of Jerusalem, without causing injuries or major damage.

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U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon issued a warning on Monday to Yemen’s Houthis, urging them to stop their missile attacks on Israel. He warned that if they continued, they would face the same “miserable fate” as other Iranian allies, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.

Danon also cautioned Tehran, stating that Israel has the capability to strike any target in the Middle East, including within Iran, and would not tolerate attacks by Iranian proxies.

The Houthis, an Iranian-backed rebel group, have launched 11 ballistic missiles and at least nine drones at Israel in the past month.

In response to Houthi attacks, the IDF has targeted Houthi-controlled infrastructure in Yemen. Strikes have focused on key ports like Hodeida, Salif, and Ras Issa, vital for Houthi military and economic operations.

These ports have been under siege since December 18, following Israeli airstrikes. Previous strikes on Hodeida have caused significant losses, reportedly exceeding $300 million, further straining the Houthis amid Yemen’s ongoing economic crisis.