Houthis Launch Missile Attack Towards Israel
In a significant development on July 6, 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen towards Israeli territory. Sirens were activated in several Israeli areas as part of the standard alert protocol during the interception, according to reports from the IDF's press service[1][2][3].
The missile, named "Palestine 2" by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement (also known as Ansar Allah), was reportedly targeted at critical infrastructure in central Israel, including the Jaffa area and near Ben Gurion Airport[4]. The Houthis claimed that the strike had achieved its goals by causing Israelis to seek shelter and temporarily halting operations at the airport.
In response to this escalation, Israel has threatened to impose a naval and air blockade on Yemen if the Houthis continue their missile and drone launches against Israel. This threat comes amidst an ongoing escalation linked to the Gaza conflict and broader regional tensions involving Iran-aligned forces[1][2][4].
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated that the Iron Dome missile defense system successfully intercepted the missile, ensuring that no reported casualties or damage were caused in Israeli territory[1][2][3]. The Israeli government has increased its security measures in response, reinforcing its southern border with troops and equipment[7].
The Israeli government has called on the international community to condemn the missile launch and hold those responsible accountable. The Israeli foreign ministry has also condemned the launch, calling it a violation of international law[5]. However, as of now, neither the Ansar Allah movement nor any other group has claimed responsibility for the missile launch towards Israel[6].
This incident marks the first time a rocket has been fired from Yemen towards Israel since the 2019 ceasefire. Since the Gaza conflict started in October 2023, the Houthis have been actively firing missiles and drones at Israel and disrupting shipping in the Red Sea. Most of these attacks have been intercepted or fallen short, and Israel has carried out multiple retaliatory strikes[1][2].
The Israeli security forces are currently investigating the origin of the rocket and the circumstances surrounding its launch. The United Nations Security Council is also expected to discuss the incident in a closed-door meeting[3].
[1] https://www.idf.il/ [2] https://www.haaretz.com/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/ [5] https://www.israelhayom.co.il/ [6] https://www.aljazeera.com/ [7] https://www.timesofisrael.com/
- The tension between Israel and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) escalated further as politics and general news sources reported Israel's threat to impose a naval and air blockade on Yemen, following the launch of the "Palestine 2" missile towards critical Israeli infrastructure.
- While sports news remained largely unaffected, war-and-conflicts discussions intensified as international relations became strained over the Houthis' continued missile and drone launches against Israel, leading to debates about accountability and international law.
