Air Force intercepts ballistic missile from Yemen over central Israel

A police spokesperson said that Israel Police is conducting scans to locate fallen remnants of the intercepted missile.

Sirens across central Israel following missile launch from Yemen, 1 December 2024 (photo credit: Tzofar)
Sirens across central Israel following missile launch from Yemen, 1 December 2024
(photo credit: Tzofar)

A ballistic missile was launched from Yemen, the IDF announced early Sunday morning, after sirens sounded in multiple areas across central Israel.

The IAF intercepted it prior to its crossing into Israeli territory.

A police spokesperson said that Israel Police was conducting scans in the city of Beit Shemesh and surrounding communities to locate fallen remnants of the intercepted missile.

Four people were injured on their way to protected areas in Rishon Lezion, Rehovot, Be'er Ya'akov, and Lod, Israel's emergency service Magen David Adon (MDA) said, adding that others were being treated for anxiety.  

The Houthis military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, responded to the missile launch, saying that the group will continue its attacks until "Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip is halted, and the siege is lifted."

 Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, looks on during a rally to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon's Hezbollah, in Sanaa, Yemen September 27, 2024. (credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)
Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, looks on during a rally to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon's Hezbollah, in Sanaa, Yemen September 27, 2024. (credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)

Previous Houthi attacks

Yemen's Houthis have been responsible for several ballistic missile launches towards Israel, including one that struck Tel Aviv in September. 

The IDF has previously employed its "Arrow" system system to intercept Houthi missiles before reaching Israeli soil.