In the latest escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants launched a ballistic missile targeting Israel early Thursday morning, triggering widespread panic and briefly disrupting civil aviation services. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) swiftly intercepted the missile before it could reach Israeli airspace, but the attack sent shockwaves across the country, with air raid sirens blaring through major cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The missile attack, which the Houthis claimed was aimed at Ben Gurion Airport, was launched around 4:00 a.m. local time. Red alert sirens were activated across central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, Ramat Gan, and parts of Jerusalem, sending millions of residents rushing to bomb shelters. Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of panic, with people scrambling for cover as sirens wailed in the darkness.
IDF Response and Fallout
The IDF confirmed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted the missile, preventing it from reaching its intended target. However, debris from the interception led to minor damage in some areas. The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported that while there were no direct casualties from the attack, 13 people sustained injuries while seeking shelter, and three others suffered severe anxiety attacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in the Knesset at the time of the attack, was rushed to a secure location. Later, addressing Israeli media, he vowed swift retaliation. &ldquo;The Houthis are already paying the price, and they will pay more,&rdquo; Netanyahu stated, reinforcing Israel&rsquo;s stance against the Iran-backed militant group.
Adding to the tensions, Houthi official Hezam al-Asad mocked Netanyahu on social media, claiming, &ldquo;Netanyahu ran like a rat to the shelter. Our army is waiting for the enemy, victory for the children of Gaza is drawing close.&rdquo;
Houthi Justification and Ongoing Escalation
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree asserted that the missile attack was retaliation for what he described as &ldquo;massacres against our brothers in the Gaza Strip.&rdquo; He claimed that the missile used was a 'Palestine 2' hypersonic ballistic missile and that the target was successfully engaged.
The attack on Ben Gurion Airport also coincided with renewed air traffic in Israel, as international carriers had recently begun resuming flights following previous missile threats since the October 7 war between Israel and Hamas. Several flights, including an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi and an El Al flight from London, were briefly delayed due to the emergency alert.
Wider Conflict in the Middle East
This missile strike comes amid intensifying regional hostilities. Just days earlier, a joint U.S.-UK airstrike targeted Houthi positions in Yemen in response to their continued aggression in the Red Sea. The Houthis have persistently targeted Israel and U.S. assets in the region, including a recent attack on an American aircraft carrier group.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is pressing forward with its operations in Gaza. IDF Spokesman Avichay Adraee announced that the army had launched a &ldquo;pinpoint, targeted ground operation&rdquo; to expand a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the situation in Gaza &ldquo;will be significantly worse&rdquo; for its residents if hostilities persist.
&ldquo;Citizens of Gaza, this is your final warning,&rdquo; Katz declared in a televised address. &ldquo;The rest will be significantly worse, and you will pay the full price.&rdquo;
Regional Implications
As tensions mount, geopolitical analysts warn that the conflict is at risk of spiraling further, drawing in multiple state and non-state actors. Iran&rsquo;s continued support for the Houthis and other militant groups across the region has exacerbated the crisis, with Western nations and Gulf allies monitoring the situation closely.
While Israel&rsquo;s defence capabilities remain robust, the psychological impact of these missile strikes is undeniable. The latest attack has once again underscored the vulnerability of Israeli airspace and the persistent threats posed by hostile entities in the region.
With the situation still evolving, Israel&rsquo;s military and intelligence apparatus remain on high alert, and further retaliatory strikes against the Houthis are expected in the coming days.
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Houthi fires missile at Israel, Israel city and IDF defence system

IDF intercepts Houthi ballistic missile; air raid sirens, flight delays, and panic in Israel

Houthi Missile at Israel Intercepted, Sparks Panic

IDF intercepts Houthi ballistic missile; air raid sirens, flight delays, and panic in Israel

March 20, 2025 | 17:06 IST