Israel Intercepts Missile from Yemen, Vows Retaliation Against Huthis
Israel intercepts Yemeni missile, vows retaliation. Defense Minister Katz warns Houthis will be 'treated like Tehran' after first attack since June 24 ceasefire. Strikes mark renewed tensions as Gaza war spillover continues, with Israel targeting Houthi infrastructure in past responses.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Israeli military on Tuesday confirmed the interception of a missile launched from Yemen, following air raid sirens that sounded in several areas of the country, including the capital, Jerusalem.
In an official statement, the Israeli army announced: “Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force.”
Katz: Yemen Will Be Treated Like Tehran
Following the incident, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning, declaring that “Yemen will be treated like Tehran,” referencing the recent 12-day war in which Israel struck Iranian military and nuclear facilities, along with other targets in the Iranian capital.
“After striking the head of the snake in Tehran, we will also strike the Huthis in Yemen. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off,” Katz stated, according to remarks released by his office.
Huthis Resume Missile Attacks After Ceasefire
The missile attack marks the first Huthi-launched strike on Israel since the June 24 ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which concluded nearly two weeks of intense conflict between the two regional adversaries.
On Saturday, the Iran-backed Huthi rebels announced they had launched a ballistic missile at Israel in protest against Israel’s conduct during the ongoing war in Gaza. The Huthis, who are aligned with Hamas, had previously paused their attacks during a two-month Gaza ceasefire that ended in March but resumed their operations when Israel recommenced its offensive.
Retaliatory Strikes in Yemen
In response to the Huthi campaign, Israel has previously conducted several airstrikes targeting Huthi-controlled infrastructure in Yemen, including ports and the airport in the rebel-held capital, Sanaa.
The escalation reflects the widening regional ramifications of the Gaza war and underscores Israel’s intent to confront threats beyond its immediate borders.
