Yemen’s Houthis resumed attacks against Israel with a ballistic missile strike, with no reported casualties. Analysts are warning this could launch a new phase of the war.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, a preliminary report found that the missile most likely fragmented mid-air. It noted that two Israeli missile defense systems attempted to intercept the missile.
“During the incident, several interception attempts were made by the Arrow and Iron Dome Aerial Defense Systems, and their results are under review,” the statement read. “Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol. The entire incident is under review.”
“Fallen fragments of the interceptors were identified in open areas and at the Paatei Modi’in Railway Station,” it added. “A fire erupted in an area adjacent to Kfar Daniel. Israel Fire and Rescue Services are currently operating at the scene to extinguish the fire.”
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the weapon was a “hypersonic ballistic missile” targeting a military facility in Jaffa, though Israeli videos show the missile fragments impacting a field and train station, which was set on fire.
Yemen’s Houthis launched at least one ballistic missile targeting Tel Aviv and central Israel earlier today.
— IDF says the missile was intercepted, but debris fell in several areas, including near Gezer and the Paatei Modiin train station, resulting in minor injuries to five.… pic.twitter.com/P89fu5KQ5J
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 15, 2024
Houthi representative Nasruddin Amer reposted a statement saying that the Israelis “fired 20 rockets, but could not intercept it.” In a separate statement he promised the attack was the first stage of a new wave of attacks.
Hamas praised the attack in a statement.
Foundation for the Defense of Democracies senior research analyst Joe Truzman argued that the attack could signal a new phase of the war, as it appears to have been the first Houthi strike of its kind.
“It’s difficult to say if the Houthis have attempted to fire ballistic missiles on central Israel during the war. Some missiles have been intercepted, and others have targeted Eilat in the south,” he said in a post on X. “Decision makers in Jerusalem will have to decide if this is a new phase of the multi-front conflict or a repeat of what the Houthis may have previously attempted. Only this time, they got lucky since it appears air defense system didn’t intercept the projectile or notice it earlier.”
The attack marks the first major Houthi attack against Israel proper since July, when a drone struck Tel Aviv, killing one civilian and injuring others. Israel responded with airstrikes against a Yemeni port.
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“The Houthis should have known by now that we are charging a heavy price for any attempt to harm us,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the attack on Sunday.
The Houthis, who are aligned with Hamas, have promised increased hostility as the anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre approaches.
