Why it matters:
This is one of the rare instances where Israel’s heartland, including Tel Aviv, faces direct threats from outside its immediate borders. The growing involvement of regional players like Yemen signals a wider war theater forming around Gaza, and potentially stretching into Red Sea shipping lanes.
The big picture:
Since October 2023, the Yemeni Army has consistently targeted Israel with missiles and drones in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks, along with strikes on Israel-bound ships, are part of a broader regional backlash against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
What he's saying:
"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, it has been determined that one missile was launched from Yemen," the Israeli military said in a statement."
Interception attempts were carried out, and the missile was likely successfully intercepted," it added.
In an earlier Hebrew-language update, the military had indicated that two missiles may have been fired.
Key points:
- Air raid sirens were activated in Tel Aviv and Occupied Quds.
- Ben Gurion Airport halted takeoffs and landings amid the alert.
- The Israeli military said at least one missile was launched from Yemen and was likely intercepted.
- Journalists on the ground reported hearing muffled explosions.
- The Yemeni Army has escalated attacks on Israel and Israel-bound shipping since October 2023, citing retaliation for the Israeli crimes in Gaza.
Go deeper:
The escalation comes as Israel faces growing isolation and resistance from regional actors. The Red Sea has become a new flashpoint, with Yemen’s Armed Forces targeting commercial vessels linked to Israel.
With international shipping routes and airspace now impacted, the conflict is moving beyond borders—and threatening to redraw the map of the West Asia engagement.
Hossein Vaez
