Israeli and U.S. troops observe a Patriot missile launch during joint Juniper Cobra air defense exercise.IDF/Getty Images
Spokesperson Yahya Saree said the operations targeted sites in Israel’s southern Negev region.
He confirmed that a hypersonic ballistic missile was launched at a military installation.
Three drones were also sent to Ramon Airport near the Red Sea city of Eilat.
Another drone targeted a separate military site in the Negev, Saree added.
“The operations achieved their objective successfully,” Saree declared in a televised statement.
Israel confirms drone interceptions
The Israeli military reported it intercepted hostile drones near Ramon Airport during a security alert.
The army said one drone was neutralised without causing damage or casualties.
Authorities confirmed another drone launched from Yemen was intercepted earlier in the day.
Israeli air defences also stopped a rocket overnight that was reportedly fired from Yemen.
No confirmation was given regarding the claimed hypersonic missile strike.
Military officials said operations were ongoing to monitor aerial threats.
Houthis vow more attacks
Saree pledged that operations against Israel would continue until the Gaza offensive ends.
He linked the attacks to solidarity with Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
“We are committed to supporting Gaza until aggression is stopped,” he stated.
The Houthis framed the operations as part of a broader regional struggle.
The group has previously launched missiles and drones toward Israel during the conflict.
Thursday’s announcement marked the first claim of using a hypersonic missile in the war.
Background to Houthi involvement
The Houthis control much of northern Yemen after years of civil war against a Saudi-led coalition.
The group is supported militarily and politically by Iran, according to regional analysts.
Houthis have long vowed retaliation against Israel, citing its actions in Gaza.
Israel carried out deadly air raids in Yemen on Wednesday, striking Sanaa and al-Jawf province.
At least 35 people were killed and more than 100 injured, local authorities said.
Those raids triggered widespread condemnation across Yemen and the wider region.
Ramon Airport targeted
The attempted drone attack on Ramon Airport raised concern about international flight safety.
Israel temporarily suspended flights while defence systems engaged the threat.
Air traffic resumed after the drone was destroyed, aviation officials confirmed.
The Red Sea city of Eilat hosts Israel’s second international airport after Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion.
Ramon Airport has previously been targeted by drone and rocket fire during regional conflicts.
The latest attempt highlighted the vulnerability of civilian aviation infrastructure.
The Houthi operations followed Israel’s widening military campaign beyond Gaza.
In recent days Israel has struck multiple countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar, and Yemen.
The escalation has alarmed the Gulf Cooperation Council, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemning Israeli strikes.
Analysts warn the regional dimension risks widening the conflict across the Middle East.
Former US officials said attacks on Qatar could unite Gulf states in opposition to Israel.
The United Nations Security Council urged de-escalation but avoided naming Israel in its statement.
Iran praised the Houthi strikes as a justified response to Israeli actions in Gaza and Yemen.
United States officials acknowledged the drone interceptions but declined to confirm missile impacts.
Houthi drone penetrates defenses and hits arrivals hall at Israel’s Ramon Airport
European Union representatives expressed concern about escalating cross-border attacks.
Humanitarian agencies warned that further escalation could disrupt aid flows into Yemen and Gaza.
Regional airlines are reviewing flight paths over the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Security analysts described the Houthi use of a hypersonic missile as a significant development.
