On Saturday, the Houthi movement in Yemen took responsibility for a ballistic missile strike on central Tel Aviv. They reported that the attack injured several Israelis.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea explained that the missile targeted a military site in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv. He added that the strike was both in support of Palestinians in Gaza and a response to Israeli actions against Yemen. Sarea stated the missile successfully evaded Israeli defences and hit its target with precision. He broadcasted the statement on Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV.
Israeli media later confirmed that at least 14 people were injured. The Israel Defence Forces acknowledged the missile strike and reported that sirens had sounded across central Israel early on Saturday.
The missile attack occurred two days after Israeli airstrikes hit power stations and fuel storage facilities in northern Yemen. These airstrikes killed nine Yemenis. The Houthis condemned the strikes, labelling them an Israeli act of aggression. Since late 2014, the Houthis have controlled northern Yemen, forcing the internationally recognised Yemeni government to leave the capital, Sanaa. They have since held significant sway over the region.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have escalated their rocket and drone attacks on Israeli cities. In addition, they have targeted Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis justify these actions by asserting their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the continuing conflict. The situation has heightened tensions and increased military exchanges between Yemen and Israel.
