Sirens were activated across southern and central Israel.
By Rachel Avraham
Sirens were activated across southern and central Israel after defense systems identified a missile launch originating from Yemen. According to various reports, the bomb sirens were activated in Ashdod, Yavne, Ben-Gurion airport, Bat Yam, Beit Shemesh, Holon, Kfar Chabad, Modiin, Ramat Gan, Ramla, Rehovot, Re’im, Rishon LeTzion, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and a variety of other locations across Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its radar systems detected the projectile and responded by activating the nationwide alert system to ensure civilian safety.
According to initial reports, the missile was launched by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists, who have previously targeted Israel as part of a broader regional escalation. Air defense units, including the Arrow and David’s Sling systems, were placed on high alert, and several interceptor missiles were launched to neutralize the threat before it could reach populated areas.
The IDF spokesperson stated that the incident highlights the growing regional threats Israel faces, particularly from Iranian proxies operating far beyond Israel’s immediate borders. “We are monitoring all hostile activities and remain prepared to protect Israeli citizens from any threat, regardless of its origin,” the spokesperson said.
No casualties or damage have been reported so far. Israeli authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and follow Home Front Command instructions, especially in southern regions such as Eilat and the Negev, which are within the range of long-distance missile attacks from Yemen.
This latest attack underscores the increasing danger posed by Yemen’s Houthi terror movement, which has stepped up its involvement in the conflict against Israel amid ongoing tensions across the Middle East. Israeli officials have warned that any future attacks from Yemen will be met with a decisive and strategic response.
Officials at Israel’s only Red Sea port warned the government Sunday that it was at risk of a complete shutdown without financial assistance, citing the economic impact of months of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi fighters on commercial shipping in the region, the Washington Post reported. According to the report, the Houthis began attacking vessels in the Red Sea and beyond in solidarity with Gaza following Israel’s response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacre on Israel. The Port of Eilat, in southern Israel, has seen a 90 percent drop in activity since, according to chief executive Gideon Golber, the Washington Post added.
“You cannot let terror organizations close any route,” Golber said after his meeting with government officials Sunday. He said he told representatives from the ministries of transportation, economy and finance that if they wanted to show the world that nobody can close Israel’s ports, the government should “force ships” to come to Eilat with financial incentives. “Maybe you need to pay more money,” Golber said he told them. “Let’s say $500,000 per ship … and the workers will work.”
Through this drastic slowdown, the port has continued paying employees’ salaries, as well as land and port fees to the government and municipality — an unsustainable situation “without having any work,” Golber said. According to the Washington Post, he said Eilat port has been losing about 4 million shekels, or $1,193,301, per month for the past 19 months. “That’s the reason we decided, if the government is not going to help port of Eilat, then we will close the port,” Golber said.
The Port of Eilat is Israel’s third-largest port and is a major point of entry for goods bound for Israel from China, India and Australia, among other countries, the Washington Post reported. According to the report, major imports include vehicles, oil and cattle, according to Israel’s Port Authority, while fertilizers and minerals were exported out through Eilat. The port also serves cruises and passenger ships, the Washington Post added.
Photo from Hindustan Times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkkU9iHHg0I
