Tel Aviv, June 6, 2025 — On Thursday evening, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent public alert about a long-range missile launched from Yemen by Iran-backed Houthi militants, crossing Saudi and Jordanian airspace and heading towards southern Israel. This event marks an expansion in regional threats facing Israel due to increased conflict with Hezbollah and Gaza-based militants.
6:15 PM – IDF Confirms Trajectory Fits Previous Houthi Missile Patterns
Military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that air defense systems are tracking what appears to be a long-range projectile, possibly ballistic or cruise missile fired from Houthi-controlled territory in northern Yemen and headed for southern or central Israel within the next 30 minutes. Initial assessments point towards its likely impact zone being southern or central Israel.
Hagari advised southern residents to seek shelter as soon as possible and stand ready for interception if necessary.
6:30 PM – Red Alerts Sound in Eilat and Negev
Air raid sirens were activated in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, as well as parts of the Negev Desert. Residents have been instructed to shelter in secure areas while emergency services have been put on high alert. IDF multilayered air defense platforms including Arrow and David’s Sling platforms have also been activated as a safeguard.
Houthi Rebels Assume Responsibility
In a televised broadcast from Sanaa, Houthi military spokesperson claimed responsibility for the missile launch, saying it was part of their ongoing campaign against Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
“We stand with our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon,” stated a spokesperson, adding, “our missile units successfully launched a precision strike against Israeli military infrastructure.
Houthi rocket launches against Israel have occurred frequently over recent months; however, this launch marked the first time such launches led to an immediate national warning and preemptive deployment of air defenses.
Minutes Ago: Missile Intercepted Over Red Sea
Just now, Israel Defense Forces confirmed that an incoming missile had been successfully intercepted over the Red Sea by their Arrow 3 missile defense system, designed specifically to counter long-range ballistic threats.
Rear Adm. Hagari reported no damage or casualties as a result of this defensive operation, calling it successful and calculated.
Witnesses in Eilat reported hearing a loud boom overhead, suggesting an imminent threat has detonated itself mid-air.
Prime Minister Netanyahu made a brief address shortly after the interception, commending IDF forces and stressing that Israel will not tolerate threats from any regional actor.
“This aggression from Yemen, orchestrated by Iranian proxies, is part of an Iranian campaign of encirclement,” Netanyahu stated. “Let me be clear: We will respond when and where necessary.”
U.S. and Allies Condemn Houthi Action
The State Department issued a statement strongly condemning Houthi attacks against Israel, while affirming their right to defend themselves from such aggression. According to spokesperson Matthew Miller: “The United States stands firmly with Israel against these reckless missile strikes that endanger civilian lives.”
France and the UK expressed similar worries and demanded Iran rein in its regional allies.
Conclusion
Thursday’s missile incident demonstrated how rapidly evolving Israel’s threat environment has become, with conflicts once confined to its northern and southern borders now reaching as far as Arabia. Although Israel’s missile defense network proved its worth once more, facing multiple simultaneous threats is becoming an increasing challenge.
As new information becomes available, this live coverage will be constantly updated.