Israel intercepts a Houthi missile — there are wounded

Israeli air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemeni Houthis early Wednesday morning, December 25. This is the second night in a row and the fourth time in as many days that an Iranian-backed group has attacked Israeli territory.

This was reported by The Times of Israel.

Houthis attacked Israel

Due to the missile threat, an air alert was declared in central Israel.

According to the Israeli army, the sirens were activated over a larger area than usual this time, in accordance with the new IDF policy. The new principle of the sirens' operation is related to a recent incident when the warning was delayed.

The national medical service, Magen David Adom, reported that nine people were injured during the evacuation, and two others sought treatment for acute stress.

Debris from an interceptor rocket landed near a house in Be'er Yaakov, damaging a yard and tearing out an air conditioner, but without causing any casualties. Other debris was found in the Shfela and Modi'in neighborhoods.

The Yemeni Houthi group expressed threats against Israel on social media, saying that they would not stop shelling until the war in the Gaza Strip ends. Over the past ten days, the Houthis have fired five ballistic missiles and four drones at Israel.

Earlier, on Saturday, December 21, one of the missiles hit a park in Jaffa, injuring 16 people. In response, Israel launched three air strikes on Houthi targets. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said that if the attacks continue, security forces will start targeting the group's leaders.

The Houthis have also announced their intention to attack merchant ships crossing the Red Sea, which has significantly affected international trade.

UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Israel

On Monday, December 30, an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council will be held at the request of the Israeli government. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon expressed hope that the international community would support the country and condemn the Houthi attacks.

To recap, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently officially confirmed the country's involvement in the elimination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Yesterday, on December 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there was progress on the ceasefire.