A missile fired from Yemen towards Israel on Saturday morning triggered air defence systems and warning sirens across southern Israel, marking the first such attack since Israel’s “Operation Roaring Lion” began about a month ago.
The development comes at a tense moment in West Asia, with Yemen’s armed forces warning they are prepared to directly join the conflict if what they describe as “American-Israeli aggression” against Iran and allied groups intensifies further, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the projectile was launched towards Israeli territory and interception systems were activated. As reported by The Jerusalem Post, sirens sounded in Beersheba and nearby areas in the Negev. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Yemen warns of ‘direct military intervention’ if conflict widens
A day earlier, Yemen’s military signalled a more aggressive stance. Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the country is ready to step in militarily if the situation involving Iran and groups aligned with the so-called “Axis of Resistance” worsens.
“We confirm that our hands are on the trigger for direct military intervention,” spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said, according to Iranian state media outlet Press TV.
He suggested that intervention could also be triggered if more countries get involved or if the Red Sea is used for operations against Iran or other Muslim nations. He stressed that such actions would not be tolerated.
Press TV reported that Yemen sees its position as a “religious and moral responsibility”, describing the ongoing conflict as targeting not just Iran but also regional allies and the broader Muslim world.
The statement also accused Israel of pursuing expansionist goals in West Asia and framed Yemen’s stance as part of a broader regional pushback.
Saree urged the United States and Israel to respond to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities, calling the attacks “unjust” and harmful to global stability and the economy. He also called for the implementation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement signed last October under a US-backed plan.
At the same time, Yemen warned against tightening the blockade on the country.
Separately, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant had been hit for the third time in 10 days. The agency added that the reactor was not damaged and no radiation leak had been detected.
Earlier this week, Yemen’s Houthi movement, also known as Ansarullah, was reported to be on high alert and ready to enter the conflict in support of Iran amid ongoing US-Israel strikes, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.