‘Ring of Fire’: IDF Intercepts Missile Launched by Houthis as Seven Injured in Hezbollah Rocket Barrages

Latest Developments

• Houthis Launch Another Missile at Central Israel: Israel’s air defense array intercepted a Houthi-launched ballistic missile targeting central Israel on November 11 as multiple Iran-backed terrorist groups continued attacking the Jewish State as part of Iran’s “ring of fire” strategy. The IDF said it intercepted the missile outside of Israeli territory, and sirens were sounded in the Beit Shemesh area, west of Jerusalem, and the southern West Bank. As a result of the interception, shrapnel from the interceptor landed in Beit Shemesh, starting a small fire.

• Second Houthi Missile in Four Days: Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had targeted the IDF’s Nahal Sorek base, which contains the IDF’s Ammunition Center. The missile is the second launched by the Houthis toward Israel in less than a week. The IDF intercepted a missile on November 8, which the Houthis claimed was targeting the Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel.

• Seven Israelis Injured from Hezbollah Barrage: The IDF said Hezbollah had launched approximately 190 rockets at northern Israel on November 11. Seven Israelis suffered injuries from shrapnel, including a 27-year-old woman, a 35-year-old man, and a 1-year-old girl who were moderately injured. Earlier in the day, the Israeli Air Force said it had intercept four armed drones approaching Israel from the east. Iran-backed Shia militias in Iraq claimed the attack.

FDD Expert Response

“Iranian-backed militias in Yemen and Iraq continue their attacks on Israel with little deterrence. Their strategy is straightforward: encircle Israel with a ring of fire and maintain constant pressure in support of allies in Lebanon and Gaza. The surge in these attacks reveals the extent of the damage Israel has inflicted on both Hezbollah and Hamas. Yet retaliation remains crucial — not only to establish deterrence but also to convey a clear message to these groups’ patrons in Tehran that Israel’s reach extends far and will counter threats wherever they arise.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

“The Iranian-backed Houthis launched long-range ballistic missiles toward Israel on November 8 and November 11. In addition, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq targeted Israel with drones in recent days. The attacks illustrate how Iranian-backed groups are increasingly seeking to use new capabilities, such as numerous drones launched at the same time or missiles launched at strategic targets, to threaten Israel. These Iranian-backed groups must be deterred from further attacks, and it is essential that the international community hold them accountable for the increasing threats to Israel and the wider region.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“Iran’s Ever-Expanding Ring of Fire,” by Mark Dubowitz and Behnam Ben Taleblu

“Israel Intercepts Missile Launched by Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iraqi militias claim drone attack as Iran’s proxies continue threats,” by Seth J. Frantzman