The Israeli military reported that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Friday. This interception occurred just one day after they shot down two projectiles fired by Houthi militants.
The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the missile attack, stating they targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, announced this in a televised statement early Saturday morning.
Saree indicated that this missile strike was the third attack on Israel within 48 hours. He warned airlines that the Israeli airport is now “unsafe for air travel” and will remain so until Israel ceases its actions against Gaza and lifts the blockade.
Despite these claims, the airport’s website continued to function normally, displaying a schedule of flights.
Additionally, the Houthi spokesperson claimed that they had also attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, although no evidence was provided for this assertion.
The Houthis have pledged to escalate their attacks, particularly against Israel, in retaliation for recent US strikes that have been described as the largest military operation in the Middle East since President Trump took office. These US actions have reportedly resulted in at least 50 casualties.
The renewed Houthi assaults come as part of their promise to expand their targets in Israel following renewed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths after a period of relative calm.
Since the beginning of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in late 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on maritime vessels, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
These attacks have disrupted global trade and led the US military to initiate an expensive campaign to intercept missiles. The Houthis are part of a coalition known as the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes various militias opposed to Israel and Western interests, receiving support from Iran.
ALSO READ: Israel Launches Airstrikes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria: Death Toll Reaches 200
