Houthis Missile Fired at Central Israel, Intercepted by Arrow System

Latest Developments

A missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen targeted central Israel, including Tel Aviv, shortly after midnight on September 26. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the “Arrow” defense system intercepted the missile outside Israeli territory. Due to the concern of falling missile shrapnel, sirens were activated across a large swath of central Israel, the IDF noted. Later, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that the group fired a “Palestine 2” ballistic missile toward Tel Aviv and targeted Ashkelon with a drone.

Separately, CNN reported on September 27 that the Houthis attacked U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance and USS Stockdale and the littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis as they sailed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis fired 23 ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles in the assault. The Yemen-based group claimed it was the largest naval operation it has carried out. Despite the significant barrage, U.S. officials stated that all the projectiles were intercepted or missed their target.

Expert Analysis

“The Houthis and their partners in the ‘Axis of Resistance’ have upped their attacks on the State of Israel in recent days. Although Israel thwarted the Houthis’ attack, the mere fact that the Yemen-based group was able to launch a missile towards central Israel will serve as a valuable commodity to curry advanced weapons from Iran and other partners.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Iran’s years-long effort to arm the Houthis has paid dividends in terms of pressuring Israel. A comprehensive strategy to disrupt weapons smuggling to the Houthis is needed to diminish the group’s capabilities.” — Ryan Brobst, FDD Senior Research Analyst

Israel in a Multi-Front Conflict

Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, Iran’s proxies, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias have been waging a campaign of attrition against Israel. On September 27, Hezbollah fired 10 rockets at Haifa and the surrounding area; aerial defense intercepted some projectiles, and others fell in open areas, the IDF said. Later in the day, rocket shrapnel from a missile interception injured one person in Tiberias, The Times of Israel reported.

On Israel’s eastern and southern fronts, attacks by the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq have dramatically increased in recent days. On September 25, an armed drone launched by the umbrella group struck the port of the southern Israeli city of Eilat, causing damage and lightly injuring two civilians, a 68-year-old and a 28-year-old.

Meanwhile, the Houthis have increased the range of their missile attacks on the Jewish state. A missile launched by the Iranian-backed group targeted central Israel, setting off sirens in dozens of areas on the morning of September 15. Israel’s missile defense system intercepted the projectile, causing it to fragment, the IDF said.

Related Analysis

“Houthis Missile Fragments Strike Central Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels in Yemen Claim Drone Attack on Tel Aviv,” FDD Flash Brief

“10 Things to Know About the Houthis,” FDD Insight