New Middle Eastern Tensions Rise After Missile Launch Near Tel Aviv

Multiple missiles pointed upward on launchers against blue sky.

Yemen’s Houthis launch ballistic missile at Israel, striking near Tel Aviv and causing widespread alarm.

At a Glance

Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthis) launched a missile at central Israel, hitting near Tel Aviv
The missile flew 2,000km from Yemen to Israel in 11 minutes
Nine people in Israel suffered minor injuries from the attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against the Houthis
The attack highlights potential vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense systems

Missile Strike Hits Central Israel

On a Sunday morning at approximately 6:32 a.m. local time, sirens blared across central Israel as a ballistic missile launched from Yemen soared towards Tel Aviv. The unprecedented attack, claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict. The missile, traveling an estimated 2,000 kilometers, struck near Ben Gurion Airport, causing fires and triggering air raid sirens across the region.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the missile was not successfully intercepted before entering Israeli airspace. It exploded in the air, scattering debris in open areas. The attack resulted in minor injuries to nine people and caused a fire in the Ben Shemen forest. Shrapnel also caused slight damage at a train station near Modiin.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels say they hit Israel with a hypersonic missile. Here's what you need to know about such weapons https://t.co/m6friAYGRa

— Bloomberg (@business) September 18, 2024

Houthi Claims and Israeli Response

Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesperson, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the group had launched “a new hypersonic missile” towards a target in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv. However, Israeli officials disputed the claim that the missile was hypersonic. The design of the missile reportedly resembles Iran’s medium-range ballistic missiles, raising questions about potential technology transfers in the region.

“Unless Russia or North Korea passed this technology to the Houthis … it’s more likely that the missile in question is supersonic,” Mohammed Al-Basha, senior Middle East analyst for the Navanti Group, told Al Jazeera.

In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against the Houthis. “Whoever needs a reminder of this, is invited to visit the port of Hodeidah,” Netanyahu said, referencing a previous Israeli strike on Yemen.

Escalating Regional Tensions

This latest attack is part of a broader campaign by the Houthis, who have been targeting ships linked to Israel since November in solidarity with Palestinians. The group has launched over 220 missiles and drones at Israel in the past 11 months. This most recent strike, however, marks a significant escalation as it struck deeper into Israel than previous attacks, potentially boosting the Houthis’ confidence and regional profile.

“The design of the [Houthis’] Palestine missile series closely mirrors Iran’s medium-range ballistic missiles. It could be a hybrid, with front fins and the warhead resembling the Fateh-110, while the rear fins are similar to the Kheibar Shekan. The Houthis have added distinct markings, including a black-and-white chequered keffiyeh pattern, and the flag and map of Palestine.”

The incident has also highlighted potential vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense systems. While the Israeli Air Force attempted to intercept the missile using the Arrow long-range defense system, it did not completely destroy the incoming threat. The Iron Dome system was subsequently used to attempt to shoot down falling shrapnel, underscoring the complex challenges faced by Israel’s multi-layered defense network.

As tensions continue to escalate in the region, this latest attack serves as a stark reminder of the expanding scope of the conflict and the increasing capabilities of non-state actors like the Houthis. The international community remains on high alert as the situation unfolds, with potential implications for regional stability and global security.