Official statements from the Israel Defense Forces or verified news reports

Israel Intercepts Missile from Yemen; Injuries Reported as Shrapnel Falls Near Jerusalem

Jan 3, 2025, 02:41 AM

Early Friday morning at approximately 4:35 AM, sirens sounded across central and southern Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, after a ballistic missile was launched from Yemen. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the missile, fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, crossed into Israeli territory and was intercepted by Israel's missile defense systems. Explosions were heard over Jerusalem during the interception, and shrapnel reportedly fell in the Modi'in area near Jerusalem. Israeli ambulance services reported several people injured as they rushed to shelters. The IDF is assessing the situation, and there are no immediate reports of significant damage.