Israel upgrades missile alerts: Early warnings for Houthi attacks now active

IDF to Issue Early Alerts for Houthi Missile Threats from Yemen

In a new move aimed at boosting civilian safety, the IDF Home Front Command announced an upgrade to Israel’s missile warning system on Thursday. As of today, the Command will begin issuing preliminary guidelines ahead of any official alerts in the event of potential missile fire from Yemen, particularly from Iran-backed Houthi forces.

The early warnings will be delivered through the Home Front Command mobile app, and unlike traditional alerts, they will not use the standard rising-and-falling siren. Instead, a unique notification sound will be used to distinguish these messages as pre-alerts. This new system is designed to give civilians additional time to seek nearby shelters or take other safety precautions.

“The purpose of the preliminary guideline is to allow advanced preparedness,” the IDF stated, explaining that this early notice will help ensure people are not caught off guard and can respond calmly and efficiently.

In areas under threat, residents will receive both the app notification and a direct message from the IDF stating that missile fire from Yemen toward Israel may occur in the coming minutes. The message will urge the public to follow instructions from the Home Front Command carefully.

This upgrade comes in response to the growing threat of long-range missile attacks from Yemen. In recent months, the Houthi rebels—part of Iran’s regional proxy network—have increased their missile and drone operations, prompting Israel to bolster its defensive and civilian response capabilities.

“The Home Front Command is making every effort to ensure the safety of Israel’s citizens,” an IDF spokesperson said. The military emphasized that all alert protocols are being reviewed and improved as needed, particularly in light of evolving regional threats.

The new early warning system highlights the IDF’s broader strategy to enhance public safety and resilience as Israel continues to face threats from multiple fronts, including Yemen.