The US has proposed another reduction in its Yemen operations in exchange for the Houthis ceasing their launches toward Israel, the newspaper Al-Akhbar, aligned with pro-Iranian interests, reported this morning (Friday).
The IDF's Air Force successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli airspace. Following established protocols, no warning systems were activated.
❗️??⚔️?? - Air raid sirens have echoed through central and southern Israel after a missile was launched from Yemen.
Reports confirm that explosions were heard across Jerusalem, likely resulting from the interception of the incoming projectile by Israel's advanced missile… pic.twitter.com/eb7BV0XcD9
— ??The Informant (@theinformant_x) January 3, 2025
Alert sirens sounded before dawn across central Israel and the Jerusalem region as a Houthi missile penetrated Israeli airspace. Interceptor debris landed in the city of Modi'in, resulting in 12 injuries as people rushed to shelters. Additional debris damaged flooring in a residence's courtyard near Jerusalem.
Sources with close ties to the Houthi leadership informed the newspaper of a fresh American diplomatic initiative seeking to halt attacks, presenting it as an opportunity for international mediators to broker an end to the Gaza conflict.
The sources revealed that Omani mediation efforts have resumed, marked by the Sultanate's Foreign Minister's visit to Iran. The report indicated attempts to secure an agreement prior to the Biden administration's departure on January 20.
A political figure in Sanaa subsequently told Al-Akhbar that the Houthis maintain their unwavering position on Gaza, stating it "remains non-negotiable and firm," consistent with their stance from a year ago.
The source suggested that America's periodic diplomatic outreach, particularly to Iran, aims to demonstrate the Houthis' lack of autonomous decision-making capacity. They asserted that Washington holds the key to resolving the Gaza conflict.
The newspaper also detailed Houthi preparations for an "expanded new phase of escalation" coinciding with the new year.
Multiple Sanaa sources warned of "greater actions ahead" and impending surprises. Their threats included deploying new ballistic missiles, increasing attack frequency, and establishing new parameters in maritime confrontations with Israel.
The report indicates heightened Houthi alertness across several Yemeni provinces, with ongoing tribal recruitment efforts in their controlled territories. These actions, according to the report, come in response to threats of internal destabilization in Yemen.
