NewKerala.com

Houthis Fire First Missile at Israel, Triggering Air Raid Sirens in Negev

The Houthi movement in Yemen launched its first missile attack against Israel, triggering air raid sirens and activating Israeli air defense systems in the Negev region. The attack coincides with a stark warning from a Houthi military spokesman, who declared readiness for direct military intervention against American-Israeli "aggression." The statement framed the conflict within a broader regional struggle, accusing Israel of expansionist ambitions and demanding a Gaza ceasefire. No casualties or direct impacts were immediately reported from the missile launch.

Key Points: Houthis Launch First Missile Attack on Israel, IDF Confirms

  • First Houthi missile attack since Operation Roaring Lion
  • IDF activated air defenses over Negev
  • Houthis warn of direct intervention
  • Demands ceasefire in Gaza
3 min read

Houthis launch first missile against Israel; Triggers alerts across Negev: IDF

Yemen's Houthis launch first missile toward Israel, triggering alerts. IDF intercepts. Houthi spokesman warns of direct military intervention.

"We confirm that our hands are on the trigger for direct military intervention. - Brigadier General Yahya Saree"

Tel Aviv, March 28

A missile was launched on Saturday morning from Yemen towards Israel, making the attack the first by the Houthis since "Operation Roaring Lion" began a month ago, according to the Israel Defence Forces.

According to the Jerusalem Post, citing the military, air defence systems were activated to intercept the threat, as sirens sounded across Beersheba and surrounding communities in the Negev.

According to the news report, there are no immediate reports of casualties or direct impacts.

The first missile launch comes as Yemeni Armed Forces on Friday declared readiness for direct military intervention if "American-Israeli aggression" against Iran and the "Axis of Resistance" (regional resistance) groups continues to escalate, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

"We confirm that our hands are on the trigger for direct military intervention," spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said as quoted by Press TV in a statement on Friday.

The warning came nearly a month after the United States and Israel launched what Press TV described as "the latest bout of unprovoked aggression targeting the Islamic Republic", alongside intensified operations against groups aligned with the "Axis of Resistance".

Saree said intervention could also be triggered by the involvement of additional parties in the conflict or the use of the Red Sea to carry out hostile operations against Iran or other "Muslim" countries. "We will not allow that," he asserted as per Press TV.

As per Press TV, he stated that Yemen's stance is rooted in a "religious and moral responsibility" amid a broader campaign targeting not only the "Islamic Republic", but also the "Resistance Axis and the wider Muslim world".

The statement, as per Press TV, further alleged that the "aggression" is linked to Israel's so-called "Greater Israel" ambitions, accusing Tel Aviv of seeking territorial expansion across West Asia. It described Yemen's position as part of the "legitimate right" of regional populations to confront such plans and those backing them.

Saree added that Yemeni forces are motivated by regional cooperation and the aim of inflicting a "major defeat" on "aggressors", while aligning with broader support for Muslim nations facing conflict.

The spokesperson also issued demands, urging the United States and Israel to respond to diplomatic efforts to end hostilities. He described the attacks as "unjust, oppressive, and unjustified" actions "that harms global and regional stability and security and harms the global economy."

The statement, according to Press TV, called for implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which was signed last October under a US-backed plan aimed at ending the conflict.

It also warned against increasing pressure on Yemen, cautioning against any tightening of the blockade on the country, the Press TV reported.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The article heavily relies on Press TV, which is Iranian state media. It's important to read this with that context in mind. The reporting feels one-sided. A more balanced piece would include direct statements from IDF or US CENTCOM on the actual missile launch details.
P
Priya S
The region is like a tinderbox. Yemen getting directly involved is worrying. India has always advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution. This "Axis of Resistance" rhetoric and talk of "Greater Israel" just fuels more hatred. Where does it end? 😟
R
Rohit P
First, our thoughts are with all innocent civilians caught in this, on any side. No one wins in a war. The spokesperson's demand for a ceasefire in Gaza is the only sensible part of this whole statement. That should have happened months ago.
V
Vikram M
Geopolitically, this is a message to the US and Israel that they can't isolate Iran. The Houthis are a proxy. For India, navigating relationships with all sides—Israel, Iran, the Gulf states—becomes even more delicate. Our diplomacy is truly being tested.
K
Karthik V
"Religious and moral responsibility" – using such language to justify launching missiles is problematic. It turns a political conflict into a religious one, which is never good. The focus should be on the humanitarian crisis and stopping the violence, full stop.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50