In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to impose a "heavy price" on Yemen's Houthi militia after the group launched a missile that reached central Israel for the first time. The missile, fired from Houthi-controlled northern Yemen, marked an alarming milestone in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the evolving military capabilities of the Iran-aligned Houthis.
The attack occurred early Sunday morning, with air raid sirens blaring across Tel Aviv and surrounding areas at approximately 6:35 a.m. local time. According to Israeli military officials, the missile, described by the Houthis as a hypersonic ballistic missile, traveled over 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) before being intercepted. However, instead of being fully neutralized, the missile fragmented in mid-air, with pieces landing in open fields and near a railway station in Modiin.
Houthis Claim New Hypersonic Missile
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that the missile traveled the entire distance in just 11.5 minutes. He added that this new missile had successfully evaded multiple Israeli interceptor missiles, which reportedly failed to fully destroy the projectile before it entered Israeli airspace.
"This marks only the beginning", Sarea said, warning that further attacks would follow as the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel approaches.
While there were no direct casualties from the missile's impact, nine Israeli civilians were injured while seeking shelter. Smoke was seen billowing from the impacted areas, with several fragments causing damage near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport and a railway station.
Netanyahu’s Stern Warning
Prime Minister Netanyahu, addressing a weekly cabinet meeting, emphasized the gravity of the attack, framing it as part of a broader conflict with Iran's "axis of evil", which includes the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas. "They should have known by now that we exact a heavy price for any attempt to harm us", Netanyahu said, referencing the retaliatory airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port following a previous Houthi drone attack in July that struck Tel Aviv.
The Houthis, part of the Iran-led axis, have increased their attacks on Israel, launching both drones and missiles since the war in Gaza erupted in October. In July, a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv resulted in the death of one man and injuries to several others. Israel's response was swift, with airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen that left multiple casualties.
Israel Faces Multi-Front Threats
Israel's military described the Sunday missile strike as a clear indication that the country is engaged in a "multi-front battle" against Iranian proxies. The Houthis, along with Hezbollah in Lebanon, have been launching frequent missile and drone strikes as part of what they claim is solidarity with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu's rhetoric underscores the growing concerns of a broader Middle Eastern conflict. Hezbollah, another Iran-backed group, has also ramped up its attacks on Israel's northern border, with daily rocket and drone fire targeting Israeli military installations. On Sunday, approximately 40 projectiles were launched from Lebanon, adding further strain to an already volatile situation.
Houthis a& Hezbollah: Iran’s Extended Reach
The Houthi missile strike has renewed concerns over Iran's influence across the region. As the Houthis become more integrated into Iran's "axis of resistance" alongside Hezbollah and Hamas, Israel faces an increasingly complex threat landscape. These groups have shifted from targeting isolated regions of Israel to reaching key urban centers like Tel Aviv, prompting fears of a full-scale regional war.
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Future Strikes Expected
Houthi leaders have signaled that Israel should ready for more missile attacks, as their campaign is far from over. The group's missile capabilities, while still under investigation by Israeli authorities, have demonstrated their ability to reach deep into Israeli territory—an alarming development in the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu warned that any future strikes would be met with decisive retaliation, noting that Israel's military stands ready to defend its territory on all fronts. The Prime Minister also hinted at the potential for further escalations, particularly on Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah's attacks have already displaced thousands of residents.
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As the conflict continues, Israel is facing the reality of a multi-front war, with attacks from Yemen, Lebanon, and Gaza threatening the security of the nation. Netanyahu’s vow to impose a "heavy price" on those responsible highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential for further violence in the weeks and months ahead.
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