Official statements from the Israeli Defense Forces or major news outlets such as BBC, CNN, or Reuters

IDF Intercepts Houthi Drone Before Crossing Into Israel; Netanyahu Orders Destruction of Infrastructure After Attacks on Ashkelon and Tel Aviv

Dec 23, 2024, 05:05 PM

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted a drone launched from Yemen earlier today, preventing it from entering Israeli airspace. The drone was shot down before it could cross into Israeli territory, and no sirens were activated during the interception. The IDF confirmed the action and stated that the drone was targeting Israel. In response to recent missile attacks attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi group, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to destroy Houthi infrastructure in Yemen. The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching two drones aimed at military targets in Ashkelon and Tel Aviv, asserting their operations will continue until aggression against Gaza ceases. Netanyahu's directive follows a series of retaliatory strikes between Israel and the Houthis, with the Israeli military taking steps to counter these threats.