Israel's “Arrow-3” aerial defense system intercepts missile and additional targets fired from Yemen toward Eilat
Houthi rebels claim responsibility for attack, proclaim support of Hamas
A surface-to-surface missile and several other targets were intercepted over the Red Sea, south of the city of Eilat, in two separate incidents, the Israeli army stated on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Israel Defense Forces, a missile was launched at Israel from the Red Sea area and intercepted by the first operational use of Israel's “Arrow-3” aerial defense system during the current war.
“The detection systems of the Air Force followed the trajectory of the missile and intercepted it at the most suitable operational time and location,” the Israeli army said.
Earlier on Tuesday, siren alerts were activated in Eilat after an unidentified aerial vehicle was identified over the Red Sea just before 9 a.m.
IDF planes scrambled to the Red Sea location and intercepted hostile targets outside Israeli territory, the Israeli army said.
Foreign armed forces cooperated with Israel in intercepting the threats, local officials told Israel's Channel 14 news.
Residents reported hearing several loud explosions over the area in both incidents, according to Israeli media.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks and a Houthi spokesman later claimed that cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones were used in the attacks.
“These drones belong to the state of Yemen,” prime minister of the Houthi rebels, Abd al-Aziz Ben Habtoor said when asked about the incident, according to Al Arabiya.
Habtoor also declared the Houthi rebel group's support for Hamas in its war against Israel.
“Hamas is an inseparable part of the Palestinian people, and it is impossible to separate them from the resistance,” he told the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese Al Mayadeen network.
“The land occupied by Israel cannot be returned except with the opposition of the whole society by all means. We in Yemen stand in solidarity with our people in Gaza, Palestine, South Lebanon, the Golan and every inch of Arab land. We are part of the resistance axis and nothing will hinder the resistance in Yemen despite the geographical distance,” Habtoor added.
Last week, Houthi rebels in Yemen fired several cruise missiles and drones in the direction of Israel, which were intercepted by a U.S. warship in the Red Sea, as well as by Saudi Arabian air defenses.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
