Missile fired from Yemen hits central Israel, heightens tensions

The Israeli military, on Sunday, reported that a surface-to-surface missile launched from Yemen entered central Israel, landing in an open area without causing injuries.

The missile incident further intensifies regional tensions amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The strike comes nearly a year into the war triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack.

Although Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels did not immediately claim responsibility, they have been actively involved in regional conflicts, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Earlier attacks by the Huthis, including drone strikes, have targeted Israel and its interests, contributing to the broader escalation. In July, the Huthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack that breached Israel’s air defenses, resulting in a civilian death in Tel Aviv.

Sunday’s missile strike caused a brush fire near Lod and broken glass at a Modin train station, both southeast of Tel Aviv. The Israeli military confirmed that the missile had been intercepted by air defenses, though the outcome of the interception was still under review, reported

The Huthis are part of the so-called “axis of resistance,” which includes other Tehran-aligned militant groups across Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. In recent months, the Huthis have launched multiple missile and drone attacks, especially targeting shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, critical to global trade.

On Israel’s northern border, Hezbollah in Lebanon has continued to exchange cross-border fire with Israeli forces, further escalating the conflict. Hezbollah, aligned with Hamas, has vowed to respond to any Israeli military action with significant force.

Meanwhile, as the violence rages, thousands of Israelis continue to protest, calling for the government to secure the release of captives taken by Hamas. Despite diplomatic efforts by mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., a truce and a deal for the captives’ release remain elusive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting criticism for not doing enough to bring the hostages home.

The war, which started with Hamas’ October 7 attack, has caused over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 people by militants. Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza have claimed more than 41,000 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and a humanitarian resolution to the conflict.