Missile from Yemen Sparks Chaos: Sirens Blare Across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
Israel’s air defenses intercepted a Houthi missile from Yemen, triggering sirens in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Shfela, with no reported injuries or damage. The attack, part of ongoing Houthi aggression in solidarity with Gaza, underscores heightened regional tensions.
Yesterday, July 18,at approximately 10:20 p.m., the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detected a ballistic missile launched from Yemen targeting Israeli territory, triggering air raid sirens across central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Shfela region. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) successfully intercepted the missile, preventing any damage or injuries.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed at 10:28 p.m., “Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF.” The statement noted that sirens were activated as per protocol due to the risk of falling debris from the interception. By 10:36 p.m., the Home Front Command declared the incident concluded, allowing residents to leave bomb shelters. Magen David Adom reported no injuries, though paramedics treated minor cases of anxiety and injuries sustained while rushing to shelters.
The attack, claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, follows a pattern of escalated aggression since the IDF resumed operations in Gaza in March 2025, after a ceasefire collapsed. A senior Houthi official, Hezam al-Asad, posted on X, “The Yemeni people, under their courageous leadership and armed forces, will not abandon Gaza,” signaling solidarity with Hamas amid the ongoing war with Israel. A similar Houthi missile was intercepted on July 16 in southern Israel, with sirens in Eilat and the Negev. The Houthis, who have launched over 70 missiles and drones at Israel since November 2023, previously struck Tel Aviv in July 2024, killing one civilian.
Social media reactions on X highlighted public frustration, with one user stating, “Sirens at night again, when will this end?” Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow systems, supported by US THAAD interceptors, have neutralized most attacks, though debris risks persist. The IDF remains on high alert as Houthi threats continue, backed by Iran’s growing military support.