Tel Aviv, June 28 2025 —
Israel’s military confirmed Saturday that it is actively working to intercept a missile reportedly launched from Yemen by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels and represents yet another step in escalation stemming from Gaza war which has brought in actors far beyond immediate conflict zone.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an official statement explaining that their aerial defense units identified and neutralized an “LRM threat originating from Yemen,” before any impact or casualty was caused on Israeli soil. No damage or casualties were reported from this event and none occurred within Israel borders.
Air defense systems were activated due to a potential threat in the southern region, with missile tracking taking place and being coordinated through allies in the area. “According to IDF officials, air defense systems were activated as a response.”
Yemen’s Houthi rebels initially claimed credit for the missile launch, with their military spokesperson declaring it was in response to Israeli aggression in Gaza and “successfully reaching its target,” though Israeli authorities deny that any projectile entered their airspace.
Houthis have frequently attacked Israel since hostilities broke out in Gaza in late 2023. Since expressing support for Hamas and launching attacks via rocket, missile and drone platforms like Arrow or David’s Sling against Israeli territory or U.S. naval forces stationed in Red Sea, Houthi attacks against Israel have often been intercepted by missile defense systems or U.S. naval forces stationed there.
An Israeli defense official speaking anonymously to media noted that their air defense network remains on high readiness despite ongoing threats from multiple fronts. They highlighted attacks from both northern and southern sources as well as long-range sources like Yemen; taking every threat seriously they would respond when necessary.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has also been monitoring the situation closely, although they did not confirm direct involvement in intercepting the missile directly. U.S. naval forces have previously played an instrumental role in downing projectiles launched from Houthi rebels that threatened Israel as well as international shipping lanes in Red Sea.
Regional analysts warn that Iran-backed groups such as Houthis could further escalate the current conflict, increasing miscalculation risk and potentially leading to regional war. Multiple flashpoints appear across the Middle East simultaneously and this increases miscalculation risk and the possibility of miscalculation leading to regional conflict, they note.
Humanitarian agencies have issued calls for caution from all sides, warning that further escalation will only exacerbate civilian suffering in regions already marred by conflict.