Israel Intercepts Houthi Missile on December 27, 2024, Using U.S. THAAD System; Sirens Sound in Tel Aviv and Central Israel

Dec 28, 2024, 12:14 AM

On December 27, 2024, sirens were activated across central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, following the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen by the Houthi group. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the missile was intercepted before it could enter Israeli airspace. The interception was conducted using the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, marking its first operational use in Israel since its deployment in October 2024. Alerts were issued in multiple regions, including the Dead Sea area, due to concerns about falling debris from the intercepted missile. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following recent airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. An American soldier involved in the operation expressed a personal connection to the event, stating, "18 years I’ve been waiting for this."