Tensions Soar in Middle East as Yemen Fires Missiles at Israel; IDF Activates Air Defence

Jerusalem/Sanaa, June 28: Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Saturday as Yemen launched a barrage of missiles at Israel, prompting air raid sirens to blare across southern parts of the country. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the missile attack and said air defense systems had been activated in response.

“Sirens sounded in southern Israel following projectile fire from Yemen,” the IDF stated in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Though missile interceptors were deployed, no direct hits on Israeli territory have been reported as of Saturday evening. Authorities have issued alerts urging citizens to remain on high alert amid the threat.

The sudden missile launch marks a dangerous escalation, coming just days after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced. On June 24, Israel officially accepted the terms of the ceasefire, which followed a retaliatory missile strike by Iran on a U.S. military base in Qatar. The Iranian strike came in response to Israel's large-scale operation targeting its nuclear facilities.

On June 13, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations. The operation resulted in the deaths of over 650 people in Iran, according to regional intelligence sources. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes that reportedly killed fewer than 50 people in Israel.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire late on June 23, stating both nations had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire.” However, the new missile fire from Yemen has raised serious concerns over whether regional actors will respect the fragile truce.

Security analysts believe the attack from Yemen may be the work of Houthi-aligned forces, potentially acting in support of Iran or in protest of ongoing U.S. and Israeli actions in the region.

As the situation develops, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent a broader conflict, while both military and civilian establishments in Israel remain on high alert.