A ballistic missile launched from Yemen early Thursday morning landed in an open area near central Israel, according to the Israeli military, marking the latest escalation in cross-border tensions involving the Iran-backed Houthi movement.

The missile, reportedly aimed at the Tel Aviv area, penetrated Israeli airspace from the southeast before falling in an unpopulated zone approximately six kilometers from Ben Gurion Airport. The impact caused a fire but no injuries or significant damage were reported.

Air raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv and surrounding cities, prompting residents to seek shelter. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that interceptor missiles from the Arrow defense system were launched, but it remains unclear whether the missile was successfully intercepted or fell before impact.

Israeli media outlets reported that debris from an interceptor missile landed near a train station in Modi'in, while authorities temporarily suspended operations at Ben Gurion Airport as a precaution.

The Houthi military spokesperson later claimed responsibility, stating that the missile targeted Ben Gurion Airport and warning airlines to avoid the area, calling it “unsafe”.

This incident follows a series of long-range attacks by the Houthis in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, and comes amid heightened regional tensions despite recent ceasefire efforts between Iran and Israel.