Official statements from the Israeli government or verified reports from major news outlets

IDF Intercepts Fifth Houthi Missile in Central Israel, Over 20 Injured; Netanyahu Vows Retaliation

Dec 25, 2024, 02:33 AM

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia targeting central Israel, marking the fifth such incident in a week. The missile, fired in the early hours of Wednesday, triggered sirens across central and southern Israel, leading to over 20 people being injured while rushing to shelters. The Houthis, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was aimed at a military target in the Tel Aviv area. This recent missile launch follows a series of attacks, including a hypersonic missile strike on Tel Aviv and drone attacks on Ashkelon and Tel Aviv earlier in the week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to target Houthi infrastructure in response to these escalating attacks.