'Israeli' army intercepts missile launched from Yemen

The 'Israeli' military said Friday morning that it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, in what appears to be a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Air raid sirens were activated in several areas across 'Israel', including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, after detection systems identified a missile heading toward the country. In a statement, the 'Israeli' army confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted the missile and that no injuries were reported.

“Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted,” Israel’s army said on Telegram, adding that aerial defense systems had been deployed “to intercept the threat.”

Hebrew media outlets reported loud explosions heard in the greater Tel Aviv area, western parts of the occupied West Bank, and the hills west of Jerusalem. The incident triggered panic among residents, with reports of people rushing to shelters.

'Israeli' public radio said sirens sounded across wide areas, and authorities instructed residents to remain in shelters for at least ten minutes as a precaution in case of additional threats.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the missile, suspicion is likely to fall on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have launched several drones and missiles toward 'Israel' in recent months, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war in Gaza.