Israel's air defenses successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, according to the military. The IDF confirmed that the missiles were shot down before crossing Israel's borders, and fortunately, there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Sirens blared across central Israel, Jerusalem, and surrounding towns, as well as in several West Bank settlements, signaling the attack. This incident marks the seventh Houthi attack on Israel since March 18, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Israel has intercepted missiles launched by the Houthis. In a similar incident on October 7, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a missile launched towards Israeli territory by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Supporters and relatives of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip since October lift placards during a rally to demand their release in Tel Aviv
Supporters and relatives of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip since October lift placards during a rally to demand their release in Tel Aviv on August 3, 2024.
Middle East tensions soared Saturday as Iran and its allies readied their response to the assassination of Hamas' political leader, blamed on Israel, spurring fears of a regional war.
Israel ally the United States said it would move warships and fighter jets to the region, while Western governments have called on their citizens to leave Lebanon — where the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement is based — and airlines cancelled flights.
Despite the imminent threat of reprisals from Iran and its proxies, relatives of the hostages held by Hamas gathered in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostage Square on Saturday night to pressure the government to secure the captives' release. Other protesters planned to stage rallies near the residences of Israeli leaders.