Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile and three drones targeting Israeli cities. According to Houthi sources, the missile struck a military site in Jaffa, while drones targeted Beer Sheva and the port city of Eilat.
The Israel Defence Forces reported intercepting most projectiles but confirmed a drone hit a hotel in Eilat, causing property damage with no casualties. Air raid sirens were triggered across central Israel, including Tel Aviv, prompting residents to seek shelter.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israel since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023. Israel has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
Yemen’s Houthi group said in a statement on Tuesday that it launched attacks at Tel Aviv and the Ramon Airport in Eilat after Israel conducted airstrikes on the group-held port city of Hodeidah earlier in the day.
Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesman, said a ballistic missile targeted a “sensitive site” in southern Tel Aviv, and a drone targeted the Ramon Airport in Eilat.
He said in the statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV that the attacks were in response to the “Israeli military escalation” in Gaza, and to the “Israeli aggression” on Yemen.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military said in a statement early this evening that a missile fired from Yemen triggered air sirens across southern Israel and was intercepted. No casualties or damage were reported.
The Houthi attack came a few hours after the Israeli military said it struck Hodeidah port in western Yemen, targeting what it described as a “Houthi military infrastructure.”
The Israeli airstrikes against Hodeidah port were the latest in a series of attacks targeting the port city.
The Houthi television said the airstrikes on Hodeidah wounded several workers and destroyed facilities.
The Israeli military said it targeted a Houthi-controlled infrastructure site at Hodeidah port. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Air Force carried out the strike as part of Operation “Watcher from Above,” aimed at ensuring the continuation of the naval and aerial blockade against the Houthis.
“The Houthi terrorist organization will continue to be struck and will pay painful prices for any attempt to attack the State of Israel,” Katz said.