The Israel Defense Forces said it detected a missile launch from Yemen early Saturday, warning that the projectile was directed toward Israel as regional tensions continue to escalate.

In a statement, the military said its aerial defence systems were activated to intercept the missile, marking the first official confirmation of a launch from Yemen since the current phase of the conflict entered its second month.

The development followed reports on Friday that Iran carried out multiple missile strikes targeting Tel Aviv over a five-hour period, triggering warning sirens and prompting defensive responses across parts of the country.

The missile launch from Yemen came shortly after Iran-aligned Houthi movement fighters warned they were prepared to respond if what they described as continued escalation against Iran and the “axis of resistance” persisted.

Analysts say the Houthis’ involvement could increase the risk of a wider regional conflict, given the group’s demonstrated ability to strike targets beyond Yemen and disrupt maritime traffic across the Red Sea and surrounding areas. The group previously carried out similar attacks in support of Hamas following the October 7, 2023, outbreak of hostilities in Gaza Strip.

Iran-aligned armed groups in Lebanon and Iraq have already entered the confrontation, which intensified after recent strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Tehran about four weeks ago.