Jerusalem: The Israeli army said on Sunday that it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, from where Houthi rebels often initiate attacks they claim are in retaliation for the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF," the Israeli Defense Forces said, using an acronym for the air force.

"Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol," it said.

The Houthis, supported by Iran, frequently target Israel with missiles or drones, most of which are intercepted before causing damage.

But last month, a drone attack claimed by the Houthis evaded Israeli air defences and wounded 22 people in the tourist resort of Eilat.

Israel launched in response strikes on what it described as Houthi-linked targets in the rebel-held Yemeni capital of Sanaa.

The strikes killed at least nine people and wounded more than 170, according to the Houthis.

AFP