Missile from Yemen Intercepted Over Israel as Tensions Escalate

Sirens were heard across central Israel on Monday night after a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the interception and noted that the alarms were triggered due to concerns over potential shrapnel or missile fragments that could fall into populated areas.

The missile launch comes after reports of US and UK airstrikes in Yemen, increasing tensions in the region. The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, with videos showing people running to shelters in response to the sirens, shared on Telegram by the group.

The missile was intercepted before it entered Israeli airspace, and no significant damage was reported. However, an 18-year-old girl was mildly injured after being hit by a car while rushing to a shelter. Other injuries were reported as people panicked on their way to safety. Fragments of the missile were found in Beit Shemesh, a city near Jerusalem.

This attack is part of a series of nightly missile strikes from the Houthis, who have claimed the actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In recent days, similar missile launches from both Yemen and Gaza have targeted Israeli cities, marking a troubling escalation in the conflict.

At Ben-Gurion Airport, flight operations were briefly delayed but resumed within the hour. During the sirens, a concert by Israeli singer Moshe Peretz was interrupted, forcing hundreds of people to take cover in the Menorah Mivtachim Hall. Peretz humorously adapted his performance, changing the lyrics of his song "Tuttim (Strawberries)" to "Houthim (Houthis)" in light of the situation.

The Houthis' missile attacks have drawn international condemnation, with the US urging the UN Security Council to take action against Iran’s support for such actions. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has also called for global measures to counter the Houthis' aggression. Meanwhile, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, issued a stark warning to the Houthis, asserting that their continued attacks would lead to the same fate as other groups targeting Israel, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.