The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Friday that it intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, triggering air raid sirens across much of northern Israel, including Haifa, the country’s third-largest city.
The missile was detected en route to Israeli territory and was successfully downed before crossing the border. According to the IDF, the interception was executed “in accordance with air defense protocol,” and no injuries or direct damage from the strike itself were reported.
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However, falling debris from the interception penetrated the roof of a kindergarten at Kibbutz Mishmar Ha’emek in northern Israel. Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time and there were no casualties.
Sirens sounded throughout large swaths of northern Israel as part of standard procedure in missile interception events. The Houthis, who have carried out multiple long-range missile and drone attacks since the war in Gaza began, have not yet claimed responsibility for this launch.