Missile fired from Yemen by Houthi rebels lands in central Israel, triggering air raid sirens

The missile was intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system, and there were no reports of casualties or damage.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, which backs the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

A missile fired from Yemen by Houthi rebels landed in central Israel on Thursday, triggering air raid sirens but causing no casualties or damage, the Israeli military said.

The missile was intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system, which has been credited with preventing numerous casualties in recent years by shooting down rockets and missiles fired from Gaza and Lebanon.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, which backs the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Israel has accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, including missiles, and has carried out airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria.

The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a number of missile attacks on Israel in recent months, including a deadly attack on the southern Israeli city of Eilat in March.

The Israeli military said it was investigating the latest missile attack and would respond accordingly.

The Iron Dome defense system

The Iron Dome defense system is a mobile air defense system developed by Israel to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells.

The system was first deployed in 2011 and has since been credited with preventing numerous casualties in Israel by shooting down rockets and missiles fired from Gaza and Lebanon.

The Iron Dome system uses a radar to detect incoming rockets and missiles. Once a target is detected, the system launches an interceptor missile to destroy it.

The Iron Dome system is highly effective, with a success rate of over 90%. The system has been praised by experts for its ability to protect civilians from rocket and missile attacks.

The Houthi rebels

The Houthis are a Zaidi Shia rebel group that has been fighting against the Yemeni government since 2004.

The Houthis are supported by Iran, which has provided them with weapons and training.

The Houthis have seized control of large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.

The Houthis have been accused of human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Tensions between Israel and Iran

Tensions between Israel and Iran have been high for decades.

Israel accuses Iran of supporting terrorism and developing nuclear weapons.

Iran denies these accusations and says that Israel is a threat to the region.

The tensions between Israel and Iran have led to a number of military confrontations, including the 2006 Lebanon War and the ongoing Syrian Civil War.

Conclusion

The missile attack on Israel from Yemen is a reminder of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.

The Iron Dome defense system is a vital part of Israel's defenses against rocket and missile attacks.

The Houthi rebels are a powerful force in Yemen and are supported by Iran.

The tensions between Israel and Iran are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.