Official Israeli government press releases or verified news reports

Israel Intercepts Houthi Missiles from Yemen; Sirens in Tel Aviv, 20 Injured Rushing to Shelters

Dec 23, 2024, 11:51 PM

Israel's military intercepted missile and drone attacks launched from Yemen on Monday, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalated their assaults amid regional tensions. The Israeli Air Force shot down a drone earlier in the day that was launched from Yemen and intercepted before entering Israeli airspace; no sirens were sounded during that interception. Later, sirens sounded across central and southern Israel, including Tel Aviv, Ashdod, Beersheba, and Ramlah, following the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the missile, fired by the Houthis, was intercepted by the Air Force before entering Israeli territory. The sirens were activated due to concerns about falling debris from the interception. Israeli emergency services reported that over 20 people were injured while rushing to shelters, with some suffering from panic attacks. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they targeted military sites in Ashkelon and the Tel Aviv area with drones and missiles. The escalation comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly instructed the IDF to target the rebel group's infrastructure in Yemen.