Israel is promising a “full response” after two rockets were launched from Syria into the Golan Heights on June 3—the first such attack in over a year—and a separate missile from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels triggered sirens across central Israel minutes later.
No injuries were reported from either strike. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with artillery fire and a series of airstrikes targeting Syrian regime weapon sites in the south. Defense Minister Israel Katz placed direct blame on Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating, “Israel will not allow a return to a pre-October 7 reality.”
The rockets from Syria originated near Tasil, a hotspot for recent violence. While Syria’s foreign ministry denied involvement, it condemned Israel’s retaliation, claiming significant casualties and accusing Israel of violating sovereignty during a time of regional instability.
Sharaa, who overthrew Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, has gained international legitimacy, with the U.S. lifting sanctions and inviting him to address the UN General Assembly in September. Israel, however, remains wary and has continued military operations inside Syria’s border zone.
Minutes after the Syrian rockets, a Houthi ballistic missile was intercepted over central Israel—marking the third such attack in as many days. Sirens sounded in Modiin, where missile fragments landed, and Ben Gurion Airport paused operations for 25 minutes.
Since March, the Houthis have launched over 45 ballistic missiles and 10 drones at Israel in renewed attacks tied to the ongoing war in Gaza. The group had paused operations during a brief ceasefire earlier in 2025.
With threats mounting from both Syria and Yemen, Israeli defense officials warn of continued escalation and reaffirm their readiness to respond forcefully to any further aggression.
