Missile Over Beersheba: Iran-Backed Houthis Unleash New Strike on Israel, Shattering Ceasefire Calm

Sirens in the South: Houthis Target Beersheba with Dhu al-Fiqar Missile

On June 28, 2025, the fragile calm following the Iran-Israel ceasefire was shattered when Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile targeting Beersheba, a major city in southern Israel. The missile, identified as a Dhu al-Fiqar, was reportedly intercepted by Israeli air defense systems before impact, but not before sirens blared across Beersheba, Dimona, and Arad, sending residents scrambling for shelter.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the launch and stated that the missile was “apparently successfully intercepted,” with no reported injuries or damage. However, the psychological impact was immediate. Residents received a push notification alert four minutes before the sirens, warning of a long-range missile threat a chilling reminder of the region’s volatility.

The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating the strike was in retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza and in solidarity with Palestinians. A spokesperson declared the operation a “success,” further inflaming tensions just days after a ceasefire was brokered between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

A New Missile, A Familiar Message: Houthi Arsenal Evolves

The missile used in the attack, the Dhu al-Fiqar, represents a significant upgrade in the Houthis’ ballistic capabilities. With a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, it allows the group to strike deep into Israeli territory from Yemen. This is the first Houthi-claimed missile attack on Israel since the June 24 ceasefire, and it signals a strategic shift in their operational doctrine.

The Houthis, long supported by Iran, have launched over 50 ballistic missiles and 13 drones at Israel since March 2025, according to Israeli sources. While many were intercepted, some caused casualties and damage, including a deadly strike in Tel Aviv last year. The group had paused attacks during a ceasefire with Hamas in January but resumed them after Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza.

Analysts believe the Houthis are testing Israel’s multi-layered air defense systems, including Iron Dome and David’s Sling, while also sending a political message to regional and global actors. The timing coinciding with Tehran’s state funeral for over 60 slain military commanders, suggests a coordinated effort to project strength and solidarity.

Regional Reverberations: Ceasefire Cracks and Global Concern

The missile strike has reignited fears of a broader regional conflict, with the ceasefire between Iran and Israel now hanging by a thread. While the missile was intercepted, the symbolic breach of the truce has drawn condemnation and concern from international observers.

The United Nations and European Union have urged restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the region. Meanwhile, Israel has issued evacuation warnings in parts of Gaza, signaling a potential intensification of its military operations.

For residents of Beersheba, the attack was a stark reminder that peace remains elusive. “We were just starting to feel safe again,” said one local. “Now, we’re back to living in fear.”

The Houthis, emboldened by Iranian support and regional instability, have vowed to continue their operations until the siege on Gaza is lifted. Their growing missile arsenal and willingness to strike beyond Yemen’s borders make them a formidable wildcard in the Middle East’s already complex chessboard.

Conclusion:
The Houthi missile strike on Beersheba is more than a tactical provocation, it’s a strategic warning. As ceasefires falter and alliances harden, the Middle East teeters on the edge of renewed conflict. Whether this was a one-off show of force or the start of a new offensive remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the skies over Israel are far from quiet.

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