Yemen’s Houthis fire “hypersonic” missile at Israel; understand

missile reached Tel Aviv and central Israel on Sunday (15), heightening tensions as the war in Gaza approaches its first year.

On Sunday, Yemen’s Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, launched what they claimed was a “hypersonic missile” toward central Israel.

The attack sparked fires, triggered air raid sirens and sent residents around Ben Gurion Airport fleeing for shelter.

The Houthis claimed that Israeli defense systems were unable to intercept their missiles.

An Israeli official said nine people suffered minor injuries.

Since November, the Houthis have been attacking vessels they consider linked to Israel in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, in solidarity with the Palestinians and in response to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

But, after all, what was the Houthi missile?

The Houthis claimed to have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile that traveled 2,000 km (1,240 miles) from Yemen to central Israel in 11 minutes.

Israel, however, denied that the missile was hypersonic, saying it “did not maneuver in flight,” according to the The Times of Israel.

“Unless Russia or North Korea provided this technology to the Houthis… it is most likely that the missile in question is supersonic,” Mohammed Al-Basha, senior Middle East analyst at Navanti Group, told Al Jazeera.

“Supersonic missiles rely on conventional engines and control systems, while hypersonic missiles require advanced materials capable of withstanding extreme thermal, mechanical and acoustic stress at high speeds.

“Confirmation would depend on tracking the missile. If it exceeded Mach 5, it would indicate that the Houthis have acquired hypersonic technology,” Al-Basha added.

He also mentioned that the design of the Houthis’ “Palestine” series missiles closely mirrors Iran’s medium-range ballistic missiles. “It could be a hybrid, with front fins and a warhead similar to the Fateh-110, while the rear fins resemble the Kheibar Shekan.”

“The Houthis have also added distinctive markings, including the black and white checkered pattern of the keffiyeh, as well as the flag and map of Palestine.”

Was the missile intercepted?

Nasreddin Amer, vice chairman of the Houthi media authority, claimed in a post on X that “20 missiles failed to intercept” the missile.

Israel, for its part, stated that the Houthi missile was damaged, but not destroyed, by an Israeli interceptor missile.

Shrapnel from the missile and Houthi interceptors fell in an open area near Kfar Daniel, just over 15 km (nine miles) from Ben Gurion Airport, sparking a fire.

What was the reaction in Israel?

The initial attack caused panic among residents, but operations at the airport resumed shortly afterward, local authorities said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the Houthis would pay a “heavy price” for the attack, which he called part of a “multifaceted battle against Iran’s axis of evil, which seeks to destroy us.”

“Anyone who needs a reminder is welcome to visit the port of Hodeidah,” Netanyahu said, referring to an Israeli attack in July that killed three people and wounded at least 80 others.

Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported that nine people suffered minor injuries.

According to Al-Basha, “Israel’s modus operandi in the region is predictable… it may respond with long-range airstrikes targeting important locations, such as the Ras Issa Oil Terminal, and the ports of As-Salif and Hodeidah.”

“Alternatively, Israel could use cyberattacks or covert operations to target missile launch sites in Yemen, disrupt Iranian supply routes, or eliminate Houthi leaders, as it has done in Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria.”

On the diplomatic front, Israel may also step up efforts to pressure the US, UK and EU to increase sanctions against the Houthis, potentially seeking to designate them as a foreign terrorist organization.

What are the Houthis seeking?

This was the most profound attack on Israel carried out by the Houthis.

“Politically and strategically, the fact that the Houthis — who do not share a border with Israel — are carrying out attacks 2,000 km away and hitting central Israel suggests advances in missile and drone technology, with support from Iran,” Al-Basha said.

“This has a psychological impact, exposing potential flaws in Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow air defense systems. It also raises the profile of the Houthis as a growing military force in the region.”

According to the Times of Israelmore than 220 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones have been launched by the Houthis against Israel in the past 11 months.

The Houthis claimed the “new hypersonic ballistic missile” traveled 2,040 km (1,268 miles) in 11 minutes to hit “an enemy Israeli military position in the Jaffa area.”

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree also said Israel should expect more attacks as the October 7 anniversary of the start of Israel’s war on Gaza approaches.

Additionally, the Houthis have signaled that they still intend to retaliate for the July 20 Israeli strike in Hodeidah, which Yemen analyst Nicholas Brumfield said “allows them to claim there was an escalation.”

Why is this Houthi attack important?

This latest attack was deeper than any previous one.

Among previous attacks, few have caused damage to Israeli territory or injured people — the drone strike on July 19 was the first to kill an Israeli.

The fact that the missile traveled such a long distance despite Israeli defenses will boost the group’s confidence.

“It also allows them to demonstrate their capabilities and reinforce their regional relevance, as in many ways they are leading the ‘axis of resistance’ response to Israel’s attack on Gaza,” Brumfield concluded.