Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, stating they will face a "heavy price" following their missile attack on central Israel. The projectile was launched from Yemen early this morning at 6 a.m. local time and is believed to have fragmented in mid-air. It landed in an open area of central Israel, causing no injuries.
Images and videos shared by the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority show smoke rising from an open field and shattered glass at a train station in Modi'in, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Houthis, backed by Iran, confirmed the attack, claiming they used a “new hypersonic ballistic missile” and threatened further strikes as the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack approaches.
Despite the heightened tensions, it is unusual for a missile to reach as far as central Israel, a region typically considered safe for civilians. Netanyahu, addressing the situation before a cabinet meeting, emphasized the broader conflict with Iran's "evil axis" and referenced Israel’s previous retaliation against the Yemeni port of Hodeidah following a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv.
Israeli police are currently investigating the impact site in the Shfela area, also known as the Judaean Foothills, where fragments of an interceptor missile have been found. Sirens were activated across central and northern Israel, including Tel Aviv airport, causing passengers to seek shelter.
In a related development, approximately 40 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israel’s northern region early Sunday, with some intercepted and others landing in open areas. No injuries were reported, though fires were reported from the fallen projectiles. Hezbollah has been consistently launching attacks on northern Israel, and Netanyahu called for a shift in the balance of power to ensure safety for residents.
Additionally, leaflets dropped in southern Lebanon warned civilians to evacuate due to Hezbollah’s attacks. The IDF clarified that these leaflets were an independent initiative and not sanctioned by higher command.
Rising tensions between Israel, Yemen, and Lebanon have fueled concerns of a broader Middle East conflict. The ongoing war in Gaza, initiated by Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 41,000 Palestinians reportedly killed in Israeli operations since the conflict began.
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