IDF Stops Missile from Yemen After Navy Strikes Houthi Plant

Missile Intercepted by Israeli Air Defenses

A ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen targeted Israel on Sunday afternoon. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the missile was intercepted by air defenses before it could cause any damage. The missile was detected just before 4:30 p.m., triggering sirens across central Israel and the Jerusalem area. This led to hundreds of thousands of Israelis seeking shelter, as the country was already dealing with widespread protests demanding the return of hostages held by Hamas.

No reports of impacts or injuries were made following the incident. The attack occurred just hours after the Israeli Navy carried out strikes against a power plant located south of Sanaa, the capital of Yemen under Houthi control. In a statement, the IDF described the strike as targeting "energy infrastructure used by the Houthi terror regime" near Sanaa. The operation was in response to what the IDF called "repeated attacks by the Houthi terror regime against the State of Israel and its citizens," including the launching of surface-to-surface missiles and UAVs toward Israeli territory.

Local media reported significant explosions in the area, which caused generators to go offline. Al Masirah TV, a Houthi-run channel, attributed the explosion to "aggression" but did not specify the source. Civil defense teams were working to extinguish a fire that resulted from the incident, according to the station.

An Israeli defense official confirmed that the strike was executed by Navy missile boats. This marked only the second time that the Israeli Navy has conducted such an operation in Yemen. The first instance occurred in June when Israeli forces attacked the Houthi-controlled Hodeida port.

Strong Statements from Israeli Officials

Following the missile launch on Sunday afternoon, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the Houthis would "pay dearly" for their attacks. In a statement issued by his office, Katz emphasized that Israel is imposing an aerial and naval blockade that significantly affects the Houthis. He also mentioned that the country had struck infrastructure and energy targets earlier that morning. "This is only the beginning," he said, adding, "What follows will be strong and painful. Whoever raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off."

The navy strike on Sunday morning was the 14th time that Israel has targeted the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, which is approximately 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) away from the country. Most of these strikes have been conducted by Israeli Air Force fighter jets. The last attack on the Houthis, in July, was carried out by an IAF drone, marking the first time a drone was used for such an operation.

Since then, the Houthis have launched eight ballistic missiles and at least seven drones at Israel, though none have caused damage or injuries. The Houthis, whose slogan includes "Death to America, Death to Israel, [and] a Curse on the Jews," began attacking Israel and maritime traffic in November 2023, shortly after the October 7 Hamas massacre.

Ceasefire and Continued Attacks

The Houthis paused their attacks during a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that was reached in January 2025. By that point, they had fired over 40 ballistic missiles and dozens of attack drones and cruise missiles at Israel. One missile hit Tel Aviv in July, killing a civilian and injuring several others, which prompted Israel’s first strike in Yemen.

Since March 18, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis have launched 70 ballistic missiles and at least 22 drones at Israel. Some of these missiles have fallen short of their intended targets. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in military actions that reflect the deepening tensions in the region.