Mossad Director David Barnea has recommended Israel launch direct strikes against Iran in response to a Houthi missile attack that hit Tel Aviv, senior security sources told Channel 13 on December 22.

The recommendation came during high-level security consultations following a Yemeni ballistic missile strike that penetrated Israeli air defences and exploded in central Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people including a three-year-old girl.

"We need to target the head; striking only the Houthis won't be enough," Barnea said during the meetings, according to the sources, suggesting that Iran, as the primary backer of Yemen's Houthi militia, should face direct consequences.

The missile strike occurred despite attempted interceptions, with dramatic footage showing two Israeli interceptor missiles failing to stop the incoming projectile.

The victims suffered minor injuries from shattered glass when the missile impacted, security officials said.

The incident marked a significant escalation in the Houthis' capability to strike deep inside Israel and has prompted intense discussions within Israel's security establishment about appropriate responses.

Senior Israeli defence officials have held several emergency meetings over the past 24 hours to discuss response options, with Barnea's recommendation representing one of the most aggressive proposals from Israel's security leadership.

The Mossad chief's position comes hours after a cryptic comment by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei who said that Iran’s “partners” are not controlled by Tehran.

"They (the enemies) consistently say that the Islamic Republic has lost its regional proxies—this is yet another mistake! The Islamic Republic does not have any proxy forces," Khamenei said during the gathering, marking a holiday celebrating women.

The Supreme Leader said that groups such as Yemen's Ansurallah Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and Palestinian organisations Hamas and Islamic Jihad operate based on their own beliefs rather than Iranian direction.

"They are driven by their beliefs; they fight because of their convictions, not on our behalf," he stated on December 22.