Missile boats of the Israeli Navy arrived in the Red Sea yesterday (Tuesday) after Yemen launched missiles towards Eilat. This was announced by the IDF spokesperson this morning.
Yahya Saria, the spokesperson for the Houthi rebels, confirmed yesterday that the Iranian-backed militia had launched missiles and UAVs towards Israel following a ground-to-ground missile attack on Eilat. He stated, "We have fired ballistic missiles, guided missiles, and UAVs at targets in Israel. This marks the third operation in a series, and we intend to continue these actions until Israeli aggression in Gaza ceases."
Furthermore, the IDF spokesperson noted that, based on the assessment of the situation and as part of strengthening defense efforts in the region, missile ships of the Israeli Navy arrived in the Red Sea area yesterday.
Last night, air raid sirens were activated in Eilat for added security, as the aerial attack from Yemen was relatively distant from the city. In total, two precision-guided missiles were intercepted by fighter jets, and the Arrow system intercepted a ground-to-ground missile, marking the first time since the beginning of the war.
Commenting on the issue at a press conference, the head of the National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi, said: "This is intolerable, but we will not use the opportunity of this meeting to make it clear to our enemies what awaits them if they continue their opposition."
The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are operating on behalf of Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. Houthi leader Abed El'aziz bin Habtour also told the "Al-Miyadin" TV channel that "Hamas is an inseparable part of the Palestinian people, and you cannot disconnect them and the resistance. We are part of the resistance front, and nothing will hinder resistance in Yemen despite the geographical distance."
The spokesperson for the Houthi military in Yemen, Yahya Saria, stated following the missile strikes on Eilat: "The Houthis declare the attack on Israel with ballistic missiles and drones out of a sense of religious, moral, humanitarian, and national responsibility, in response to the demands of our people and the free nations. In order to support our people in Gaza, the Yemeni forces had no choice but to fulfill their duty."
He further stated: "The forces launched missiles and drones at various targets in Israel. The Houthi army of Yemen confirms that this is the third operation to support our brothers in Palestine, and we affirm that we will continue to attack in a more precise manner until the cessation of Israeli aggression. The position of the Yemeni people is resolute. The Palestinian people have a full right to self-defense. It is Israel's crimes that undermine stability."
