Red Alert: Houthi missile targeting Israel intercepted, Fragments land in Israeli preschool

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced early Friday morning that a missile launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory was successfully intercepted by Israeli aerial defense systems before it crossed into Israeli airspace. The attack, claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, triggered air raid sirens across multiple regions of northern Israel, including Haifa, Wadi Ara, the Galilee, and parts of the Jezreel Valley.

According to the IDF, the missile, targeted toward the Ramat David Airbase, as claimed by the Houthis, was engaged by interceptor systems, and the outcome of the interception was initially under review. “An interceptor was launched toward the missile and the results of the interception are under review. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol,” the military stated. A subsequent update confirmed that the missile was intercepted prior to breaching Israeli territory.

Although no direct casualties were reported, Magen David Adom emergency services noted one individual was injured while attempting to reach a shelter during the alert. In a troubling development, debris from the interception fell into a civilian area, specifically, fragments landed on the grounds of Gan Zayit preschool in Mishmar Ha’emek. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the site.

In line with Home Front Command protocol, preliminary alerts were activated on the civilian app across various regions, including the Upper and Lower Galilee, Menashe, confrontation line areas, Samaria, Wadi Ara, the Galilee center, the Haifa Bay area, the Carmel, Beit She’an Valley, and the Jezreel Valley. However, full sirens were selectively triggered based on threat trajectories.

This incident was not isolated. Early Sunday morning, another missile launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory prompted sirens in the Dead Sea and Arava regions. The IDF confirmed that this second missile was also intercepted before entering Israeli airspace.

This latest string of missile launches marks a continued escalation in regional tensions, as the Houthis intensify their long-range strike capabilities against Israeli targets. The IDF has reiterated that all sirens and alerts are activated strictly in accordance with established security policy to safeguard civilians. Authorities have urged the public to continue adhering to Home Front Command guidelines as the threat landscape evolves.