The IDF Successfully Intercepts Missile Launched from Yemen this Morning

On the third day of Operation Strength and Sword, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli airspace.

IDF forces advancing into Gaza | Photo: IDF Spokesperson

IDF forces have launched a ground operation in central and southern Gaza to expand security control and establish a partial buffer zone between the northern and southern parts of the Strip, the IDF Spokesperson announced Wednesday evening. Israeli forces also regained control of one-third of the Netzarim corridor. Al Jazeera reported that 71 Palestinians were killed in early morning airstrikes (Thursday) in northern and southern Gaza.

Live Updates
6:59 – Report from Yemen: U.S. Military Strikes in Sanaa, Taiz, and Hudaydah
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes this morning in Yemen’s Sanaa, Taiz, and al-Hudaydah provinces. Additional targets in Hudaydah and Saada were hit overnight. Yesterday, the Houthis held at least 16 funerals for their fighters, including senior officers.

6:00 – Surprise Military Drill in the Golan Amid Fighting in Gaza
As part of emergency preparedness by Division 210 (Bashan), a large-scale surprise military drill will take place today in the Golan Heights. Expect increased security vehicle movement and a heightened military presence on roads and in some communities. Explosions may be heard in the area.

4:13 – Israeli Air Force Intercepts Missile Launched from Yemen
The IDF Spokesperson confirmed that the Israeli Air Force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it crossed into Israeli territory. Alerts were activated according to policy.

4:02 – IDF Spokesperson: Alerts Triggered by Yemen Missile Launch, Details Under Investigation
The IDF Spokesperson announced that the alerts were due to a missile launch from Yemen and that further details were being examined.

3:59 – Air Raid Sirens Sounded in Multiple Cities Across Israel
Red alert sirens were activated in several cities, including Petah Tikva, and Beit Shemesh, and in regional councils such as Modi’in and Gush Etzion.

The IDF in Gaza
The IDF has also decided to deploy the Golani Brigade to the southern sector, preparing for a possible expansion of military activity in Gaza as the situation evolves. Reinforcing forces in the south is a strategic move to maintain operational control over key areas and disrupt Hamas’ ability to reorganize. The objective is to apply continuous pressure on Hamas and restrict the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the Strip.

Watch footage from the IDF Spokesperson:

Israel Katz: “Anyone Who Stays Outside the Humanitarian Zone Will Be Considered a Threat”
Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the ongoing military operation and upcoming measures, emphasizing that another wave of evacuations of Gazan civilians from combat zones would begin soon.

“The next phase of the operation will force Gaza residents to make a choice—either evacuate to a designated humanitarian zone or bear the consequences,” Katz stated.

To separate civilians from combat zones, the IDF is preparing to establish a supervised humanitarian area where displaced residents will be directed. Entry to this zone will be subject to strict security screenings, and the IDF has made it clear that anyone who refuses to evacuate will be considered a suspect. The goal is to prevent terrorist organizations from using civilians as human shields and ensure that the fighting remains focused on combatants.

**IDF Forces Launch Ground Operation in Central and Southern Gaza | Photo: IDF Spokesperson

IDF Will Continue Eliminating Security Threats
The Israeli security establishment underscores that the IDF will persist in its determined efforts against Hamas and other terror organizations in Gaza to safeguard Israeli civilians. Military sources have indicated that the ongoing ground operation is part of a broader strategy, with future scenarios including the possibility of deepening the offensive based on battlefield developments and operational needs.

“Hamas is Responsible for this War”
Yesterday (Tuesday) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on his X account, laying out the Israeli position in the current situation, noting Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff proposal despite Israel’s agreement, and the plight of the hostages still in captivity.

“In the face of pure evil, free societies have no choice but to fight”, he said.