Missile From Yemen's Rebels Triggers Air Raid Sirens at Israel's International Airport

A missile launched by Yemen's Iran-backed rebels landed in central Israel early Sunday, triggering air raid sirens at Ben Gurion International Airport. The missile, intercepted by Israel's defence system, caused no casualties or significant damage. Israeli media showed footage of people rushing to shelters and a fire in a rural area. The airport resumed normal operations shortly after the incident.

Israel's Response to the Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at a military response during a Cabinet meeting. "The Houthis should have known by now that we exact a heavy price for any attempt to harm us," he stated. "Anyone who needs a reminder is invited to visit the port of Hodeidah." This follows a pattern of retaliatory strikes by Israel against Houthi-held areas in Yemen.

The missile attack is part of a series of assaults by the Houthis since the Gaza war began. These attacks have mostly been intercepted over the Red Sea. In July, an Iranian-made drone launched by the Houthis struck Tel Aviv, killing one person and injuring ten others. Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi-held regions, including Hodeidah.

Hostage Deaths Linked to Israeli Airstrike

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced a "high probability" that three hostages found dead were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Cpl. Nik Beizer, Sgt. Ron Sherman, and Elia Toledano were likely killed in a November strike that also targeted senior Hamas militant Ahmed Ghandour. Their bodies were recovered in December, but the cause of death was only recently determined.

The army's report indicated that it is not possible to definitively determine the circumstances of their deaths. This revelation could increase pressure on the government to negotiate for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas. Critics argue that rescue attempts are too dangerous.

Rockets Fired from Lebanon

Around 40 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Sunday, most intercepted or landing in open areas. In a separate incident, Israeli forces dropped leaflets over al-Wazzani, urging residents to evacuate. The military later clarified that no evacuation orders were issued and that the incident was under investigation.

The strikes along the Israel-Lebanon border have displaced tens of thousands on both sides. Netanyahu commented on this situation at the Cabinet meeting: "This requires a change in the balance of power on our northern border. We will do everything necessary to return our residents safely to their homes."

Gaza Smuggling Tunnels Blocked

Hezbollah has stated it would cease attacks if there is a cease-fire in Gaza. Efforts by the United States and Arab mediators Egypt and Qatar to broker a truce and release hostages have stalled repeatedly. Netanyahu has insisted on lasting Israeli control over Gaza's border with Egypt, citing tunnel smuggling concerns.

An Israeli military official revealed that only nine tunnels discovered along the border entered Egypt and all had been sealed off. This finding challenges Netanyahu's argument for maintaining control over the corridor to prevent smuggling. Egypt claims it sealed off its side of the tunnels years ago.

In another incident on Sunday, an Israeli border police officer was stabbed near Jerusalem's Damascus Gate. The attacker was shot and killed while trying to escape. The officer was not severely injured and was taken for treatment as police secured the area and began an investigation.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and various militant groups continues to escalate tensions across the region, with frequent exchanges of fire threatening broader conflict involvement from neighbouring countries and allied forces.