Houthi Missile Hits Israel’s Tel Aviv, 16 Injured

The Israeli military confirmed that a missile launched from Yemen landed near Tel Aviv after air defense systems failed to intercept the projectile.

The attack caused minor shrapnel injuries to 16 people, with some requiring hospital treatment.

The missile reportedly fell in the town of Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, triggering sirens in central Israel. Israeli police received reports of the incident and confirmed the weapon had impacted within the Tel Aviv district. Emergency responders also assisted individuals experiencing anxiety and injuries sustained while seeking shelter.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the missile attack, describing it as an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthis have previously launched similar attacks on Israel, many of which were intercepted.

In response to earlier Houthi aggression, Israel conducted airstrikes on December 19 targeting ports and energy infrastructure in Yemen, marking its first attack on Houthi-held areas in the capital, Sanaa. The strikes reportedly killed nine people. The Houthis have vowed to continue their operations until the situation in Gaza improves.

The Houthis have also targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, drawing retaliatory action from U.S. and British forces.

This development comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 Palestinians on Friday. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 77 fatalities in Israeli attacks over the previous 24 hours.