Jerusalem, Dec 24, (V7N) – The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it intercepted a projectile launched from Yemen after air raid sirens were triggered in central and southern Israel.

"A projectile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the army said in a statement on Telegram. Sirens were reportedly activated due to concerns over falling shrapnel from the interception.

Israel's emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, confirmed no injuries resulting from the incident.

This interception comes days after Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels launched two missiles at Israel, one of which injured 16 people in Tel Aviv.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning:"I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Huthis because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force, even if it takes time," he told lawmakers on Monday.

Israeli warplanes have since conducted strikes targeting ports and energy infrastructure in Yemen, which the military alleges support Huthi rebel operations.

Huthi officials claimed that nine people were killed in the Israeli retaliatory strikes.

The escalation marks a significant intensification in the broader conflict, drawing Yemen's Huthi rebels into direct confrontation with Israel. Analysts warn this could further destabilize the region, with the Huthis declaring solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

With both sides trading threats and military actions, tensions between Israel and Yemen's Huthi rebels show no signs of de-escalating.

END/WD/RH/