For second time in a day, Houthis launch ballistic missile at northern Israel

The IDF Spokesperson's Office announced at around 1:30 p.m. on Friday that a missile had been launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory. "The defense systems are working to intercept the threat. We must act in accordance with the instructions of the Home Front Command,” the statement said.

It was the second launch from Yemen toward Israel on the same day.

Following the detection of the launch, the IDF released a statement, instructing Israeli citizens to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command. 

Shortly after, sirens sounded across a large portion of the northern part of the country, including Haifa Bay, the Upper and Lower Galilee, the Menashe Regional Council, Samaria, the Beit Shean Valley and the Jordan River Valley. 

The IDF released another statement: “Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in northern Israel, a missile was launched from Yemen. An interceptor was launched toward the missile and the results of the interception are under review. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.” 

Residents across Israel reported hearing a loud boom from the explosion of the interceptor used to destroy the incoming missile.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., air raid sirens were activated across large areas of the north following the detection of a ballistic missile launch from Yemen. The IDF later released a statement, saying, “Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile was launched from Yemen. An interceptor was launched toward the missile and the results of the interception are under review. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.” 

🚨Sirens sounding across northern Israel due to a projectile launch from Yemen pic.twitter.com/W8PvZNjziZ

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 2, 2025

The Houthi rebels in Yemen later claimed responsibility for the missile launch, stating that it was aimed at the Ramat David Airbase near Haifa.

Magen David Adom emergency services reported that no injury-related calls were received in connection with the missile launches, except for one woman who was injured while making her way to a shelter.

The Megiddo Regional Council reported that falling fragments from the interception penetrated the roof of a kindergarten on Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek. 

Shai Regev, the educational director for Mishmar HaEmek, said, “It's a huge miracle, luckily it didn't happen during the hours when the kindergarten was open. The kindergarten has 32 children, ages 4 to 6. Interceptor parts were found here that caused a fracture in the roof and ceiling, and if there were children here, they could have been injured. A frightening sight that illustrates how close it is to us.” 

Following the missile launch, arrivals and departures at Ben Gurion International Airport were delayed until the military declared the situation under control.