Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jul 15: The Israeli Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday intercepted a drone launched by Yemen's Houthi forces toward the southern port city of Eilat, the military confirmed. No injuries or damage were reported in the incident, and the Houthis have yet to comment on the attempted attack.

Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have launched numerous missiles and drones at Israel, claiming solidarity with the Palestinian people. Most of these projectiles have been intercepted by Israel's advanced defense systems or missed their intended targets.

In retaliation, Israel has carried out strikes on Houthi infrastructure, including ports and key facilities across Yemen, according to reports from Xinhua.

The latest interception follows a similar incident on July 10, when the Houthis claimed to have fired a ballistic missile at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The Israeli military confirmed intercepting the missile, and no casualties or damage were reported. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea asserted on al-Masirah TV that the attack "achieved its goal" and was in direct response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.

Sarea vowed that attacks would continue until Israel ends its military offensive in Gaza and lifts the blockade, adding that Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea would also remain targets.

On July 8, the Houthis reiterated their stance on maritime operations, claiming they would ensure freedom of navigation for all vessels — except those affiliated with or supporting Israel.

The escalation highlights the growing regional fallout of the Gaza conflict, with the Red Sea emerging as a critical flashpoint involving multiple actors far beyond the immediate war zone.