Yemen fires missile at Israel; military intercepts without damage

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran and control much of Yemen, have repeatedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October 2023. Most of the projectiles have been intercepted or failed to reach their targets.

In response to the latest attack, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a strong warning, saying the Houthis would face serious consequences if they continued to target Israel.

“The fate of Yemen is the same as that of Tehran,” Katz said, referring to recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites during a 12-day conflict last month. “After striking the head of the snake in Tehran, we will also strike the Houthis in Yemen. Whoever raises a hand against Israel that hand will be cut off,” he said in a statement shared with Reuters.

Israel has previously warned that it may impose a naval and air blockade on Yemen if the attacks persist.

The ongoing Houthi attacks have also disrupted global trade by threatening ships in the Red Sea. Shipping companies have been forced to reroute vessels, leading to longer travel times and increased costs.

The missile interception also drew a response from the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who posted about the incident on social media platform X.

We thought we were done with missiles coming to Israel, but Houthis just lit one up over us in Israel. Fortunately, Israel’s incredible interception system means we go to the shelter & wait until all clear. Maybe those B2 bombers need to visit Yemen!

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) July 1, 2025

“We thought we were done with missiles coming to Israel, but Houthis just lit one up over us in Israel,” Huckabee wrote. “Fortunately, Israel’s incredible interception system means we go to the shelter and wait until all clear. Maybe those B-2 bombers need to visit Yemen!”

US B-2 bombers had previously taken part in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as part of coordinated action during last month’s air campaign, according to Reuters.

Since the start of the Gaza conflict, Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. These have targeted missile launch sites and infrastructure the group is believed to be using to carry out the attacks.

Both Israel and the United States have said they will continue to take action to protect their security interests in the region. Israeli and American officials view the Houthi attacks as part of a broader campaign by Iran and its allies to pressure Israel and expand their influence.