• Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen amid Houthi attacks.
• The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport.
• Israeli Defense Minister vowed a 'forceful' response to further missile threats.
• Recent Houthi missile attacks are linked to the ongoing conflict following the Gaza war.
• A ceasefire between the U.S. and Houthi rebels was established for maritime safety.

Israel's military confirmed on Friday that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. Reports indicated explosions were heard in the Jerusalem area as air raid sirens activated. This interception follows repeated missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, including a recent strike on Ben Gurion Airport, which injured several people. Following this incident, the Israeli military stated that "a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted" after alerts sounded in various locations, causing a flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, to delay its landing at the airport, according to Indiatimes and Le Monde.

In response to the growing threats from the Houthi group, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz promised a "forceful" retaliation. The Houthi rebels have launched multiple missiles towards Israel as a show of solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Katz reassured that "the army would respond forcefully in Yemen and wherever necessary," further emphasizing the need for military readiness against these renewed threats. This missile incident is part of a series of attacks, with reports indicating that the Houthis have targeted Israel and Red Sea shipping since the escalation of the Gaza war in October 2023, according to Indiatimes and AA.

Israel's military actions have already included targeted strikes on Yemen’s Sanaa airport and other strategic sites in retaliation for the missile assaults. These air raids resulted in significant casualties and have seen the Houthi leadership vow to continue its campaign against Israel, asserting their military objectives remain unchanged despite a recently brokered ceasefire by the United States. This ceasefire was aimed at ensuring "freedom of navigation" amid ongoing tensions in the region, as reported by Indiatimes and Le Monde.