Israel says it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen early Saturday, marking the first direct fire from that country during the current conflict. The development raises concerns that Yemen’s Houthi movement could enter the war and threaten regional shipping routes again.
Missile Launched From Yemen Toward Israel
Israel’s military confirmed that a missile fired from Yemen was intercepted before reaching Israeli territory. Air raid sirens sounded around Beer Sheba and areas near Israel’s main nuclear research center as defense systems responded.
This is the first time since the current conflict began that Israel has faced direct missile fire from Yemen.
Houthis Yet to Claim Responsibility
The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen’s capital Sanaa and is backed by Iran, did not immediately claim responsibility for the launch.
Analysts say the strike could signal a possible expansion of the conflict if the group decides to openly join military operations against Israel.
Concerns Over Red Sea Shipping Routes
The possible involvement of the Houthis has renewed fears over security in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.
Previous attacks by the group during earlier regional conflicts disrupted commercial shipping, affecting global trade routes worth nearly one trillion dollars annually.
Iran and Hezbollah Continue Overnight Attacks
Overnight, Iran and Hezbollah also continued missile fire toward Israel. Sirens sounded multiple times across southern Israel as interception systems remained active.
The repeated attacks have increased pressure on Israeli defense systems as multiple fronts remain active.
Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities
Hours before the Yemen missile launch, Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities after warning it would expand military operations.
Iran responded by attacking a military base in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. troops were wounded and aircraft damaged.