For the first time, Iran-backed Houthi fighters from Yemen have successfully launched a ballistic missile targeting central Israel, marking an escalation in tensions in the region. The missile, reported to be a hypersonic ballistic missile with a range of 2,040 kilometers, struck on the 15th, with debris landing on a farm in central Israel. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The missile, which traveled the distance in 11 ½ minutes, was the longest-range missile attack from the Houthis to date. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the Houthis, who control northern Yemen, may face severe retaliation, stressing that they would pay “a heavy price” for such actions.
This attack follows a July 2024 drone strike by the Houthis on Israel, which resulted in one death and four injuries. Israel retaliated with airstrikes in the Ghareida region of Yemen, causing six fatalities and injuring 80 people.
The missile attack represents a significant escalation in the involvement of Houthi fighters in the broader Middle Eastern conflict, particularly concerning their growing missile capabilities and their backing from Iran.
