The Iran-backed Houthi militant group launched a long-range missile targeting Israel, just days after the United States (US) warned Tehran of potential military action if it continued supporting the rebels in Yemen.
According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), sirens sounded across the country on Sunday, May 4, following the launch of what is believed to be the fourth ballistic missile fired toward Israel by the Houthis over the weekend.
“Sirens sounded across Israel due to a projectile launch from Yemen,” the IDF confirmed in an official update.
The Israeli military confirmed that despite several interception attempts, the long-range ballistic missile fell earlier near Ben Gurion International Airport in Central Israel.
Iran-backed Houthi group launch two missiles towards Israel
On Friday, May 2, Israel intercepted a second missile as the U.S. intensified its airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in response to the group’s escalating aggression.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching two missiles over thousands of kilometres toward Israel, specifically targeting the Ramat David air base and the Tel Aviv area.
IDF said that alarms were sounded in several areas after the launch of both missiles, adding that it had intercepted both missiles. There were no reports of damage or casualties.
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U.S. President Donald Trump in March ordered large-scale strikes against the Houthis to reduce their capabilities and deter them from attacking ships in the Red Sea.
The deadly strikes on the group were the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Trump took office in January.
On Labour Day, the US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth issued a strong warning to Iran, threatening military action if the country continues to support the Houthi rebels.
Secretary Hegseth took to his official X account, stating that the U.S. is fully aware of Iran’s actions and has already warned the country.
He emphasised that his country is aware of its military capabilities and would not hesitate to take action against Iran.
US Threatens Iran Over Houthis Support
The Secretary further warned that the Asian nation would face consequences at a time and place of the United States’ choosing.
“Message to Iran: We see your lethal support to the Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of — and you were warned,” he said.
“You will pay the consequence at the time and place of our choosing.”
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The Houthis have been involved in a series of attacks on Israeli vessels and other commercial ships in the Red Sea, citing their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and the blockade of humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian territories.
Experts widely acknowledge that Iran provides significant support to the Houthis, including arms, and sees the group as part of an informal “axis of resistance” backed by Tehran.
The rebel group say their attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping are in solidarity with the Palestinians over the war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
The group pledged to expand its range of targets in Israel in retaliation for a renewed offensive in Gaza that began two months ago.
