Israeli Air Defenses Intercept Houthi Missile Over Central Israel

Missile Intercepted Over Israeli Airspace

Early on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Israeli air defense systems successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen. The interception occurred over central Israel, prompting air raid sirens to sound across a wide area, including parts of central Israel, southern West Bank settlements, and communities near the Dead Sea. Alerts were also activated in the Judean lowlands and areas surrounding Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the interception, stating that the missile was launched from Yemen and was downed by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage resulting from the attack. Following the sirens, hundreds of thousands of Israelis, with some reports indicating over a million, rushed to bomb shelters as a precautionary measure. Air traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport was briefly halted before resuming normal operations.

Houthi Claim of Responsibility and Motivation

Yemen's Houthi rebels swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack. Their military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that they targeted 'several sensitive targets' in the Jerusalem area with a 'multi-warhead hypersonic ballistic missile Palestine-2' which reportedly carried a cluster bomb warhead. The Houthis asserted that the attack was in retaliation for Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.

The group reiterated its commitment to continue operations against Israel 'until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted,' indicating their ongoing solidarity with Palestinians.

Context of Ongoing Regional Tensions

This latest missile launch marks the 91st ballistic missile fired by the Houthis toward Israel since March 18, 2025, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis, an Iran-backed group, have been conducting missile and drone attacks against Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault, framing their actions as support for Gaza.

In response to these persistent attacks, Israel has carried out several strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The ongoing exchanges highlight the broader regional tensions linked to the Gaza war and the Iran–Israel proxy conflict.