Israel's military intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis toward southern Israel early Saturday, marking the rebels' entry into the month-long war between Israel, the United States, and Iran.

The Israel Defense Forces identified the launch from Yemen and activated air defenses, triggering sirens around the southern city of Beersheba and nearby areas. The missile was downed with no reported damage or injuries. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility on Al-Masirah television, stating the group targeted sensitive Israeli military sites in the south in response to attacks on Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Palestinian territories.

This was the first such strike from Yemen since the war erupted on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other officials. Iran retaliated with missile and drone barrages on Israel and U.S. bases across Gulf states, including an attack on a Saudi base that wounded at least 12 American troops. Hezbollah in Lebanon and Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq have also joined the fighting on Iran's side.

The Houthis, who control much of northwestern Yemen, had previously disrupted Red Sea shipping and fired missiles at Israel during the Gaza war but halted after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in October 2025. Their renewed involvement raises concerns over threats to international trade routes, as they control key chokepoints near the Arabian Peninsula.

In recent days, Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex and the Ardakan yellowcake plant, prompting Iranian vows of retaliation. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by April 6 or face strikes on its energy infrastructure, while claiming progress in ceasefire talks.

Casualties in the war have mounted rapidly. Iran reports 1,937 killed and 24,800 injured, while U.S. and Israeli figures claim over 6,000 Iranian military deaths. At least 24 Israeli civilians and four soldiers have died, alongside 15 U.S. soldiers killed and 313 wounded. Regional tolls include over 1,100 dead in Lebanon and strikes affecting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and others.

The IDF has vowed to respond to threats from all fronts. Houthi leaders indicated further operations until aggressions cease, potentially opening a new theater in the Arabian Peninsula.