Israeli Army Intercepts and Destroys Two Ballistic Missiles Fired by Houthi Rebels

On Saturday, January 29, the Israeli army announced that it had intercepted and destroyed two missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the first missile attack, stating that they targeted the Israeli Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. The Israeli army reported that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed the Houthi missiles. According to Israeli police, debris from the downed missile fell around the city of Jerusalem, causing no casualties or property damage. The Houthi missile launches triggered warning sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel. The second Houthi ballistic missile was intercepted and destroyed by Israeli air defense systems before entering Israeli airspace, also triggering warning sirens in the port city of Eilat and southern Israel. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 of last year, a group supported by the Iranian government, the Houthis, along with other Iranian proxy groups in the region, began their missile and drone attacks on Israel. In addition to direct attacks on Israel, the Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels passing through the Red Sea. In response to these Houthi attacks, the United States has formed a coalition of 20 countries aimed at countering this Iran-backed group and has targeted its positions multiple times. Israel has also retaliated against Houthi attacks, most recently targeting the group's positions in Sana'a and western Yemeni ports on January 21. Following this attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that operations against the Houthis would continue with determination and strength, while Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described it as a clear message to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the Houthi leader. The United States has called for 'immediate and decisive action' against the Houthis and their supporters. The Israeli attacks on Houthi positions were described by Gallant as a clear message to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. Israel has intercepted Houthi 'missiles and drones' supported by the Iranian government. CENTCOM reported that precise and multiple attacks were carried out against Houthi targets. The U.S. emphasized the need to hold the Iranian government accountable and to stop Houthi attacks. Israel warned the Houthis that they would face a 'dark fate' like other Iranian proxies. The threat posed by Iran-backed Houthis was reviewed at the Security Council.