Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Monday following a Houthi missile attack on Israel, with Iran denying any involvement in supplying the weapon.
The Iran-backed Houthi group, controlling northern Yemen, claimed to have struck Israel with a new hypersonic ballistic missile that traveled 2,040 kilometers (1270 miles) in just 11 1/2 minutes. The missile reportedly reached central Israel for the first time, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a “heavy price” for the attack.
However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed the Houthis’ claim, asserting that Tehran did not provide such advanced weaponry to Yemen. He questioned the logistics of transporting a hypersonic missile, stating, “It takes a person a week to travel to Yemen (from Iran), how could this missile have gotten there?” He pointed out that Iran unveiled its first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, named “Fattah,” last year.
Despite Iran’s denial, Israel’s military initially reported that the missile had likely fragmented in the air, with pieces of interceptors landing in fields and near a railway station. Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and across central Israel shortly before the impact, sending residents rushing for cover. Loud booms were heard, and smoke was seen billowing in an open field.
The incident follows a series of missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis against Israel, which they claim are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians. In July, a Houthi drone struck Tel Aviv for the first time, killing one person and injuring four. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi military targets near the port of Hodeidah, resulting in casualties.
The Houthis have warned of continued attacks against Israel, citing the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel in October. Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi’s media office, declared on X (formerly Twitter) that the recent missile strike was merely the “beginning,” claiming that 20 missiles failed to intercept the hypersonic missile.
Adding to the escalating tensions, Israel’s military also reported that 40 projectiles were fired from Lebanon toward Israel on Sunday, with some intercepted and others landing in open areas. The incident has heightened concerns about regional stability and the potential for further conflict in the Middle East.
