Yemen's Houthi rebels said they had fired a missile at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The Israeli army confirmed that it had intercepted a missile originating from Yemen. Houthi spokesman Yehya Saree also released statements announcing drone strikes on Israel's southern port city of Eilat and other military sites. This fresh escalation comes amid the Huthis stepping up their operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacking vessels associated with Israel.
In retaliation, Israel has bombed various Houthi sites in Yemen, including a huge air attack on the coastal city of Hodeida. Pro-government military forces in Yemen, in the meantime, have seized a huge weapons cache from Iran that exposed the extent of outside aid to the Iran-supported rebels.
Missile Fired at Ben Gurion, Says Israel
On Wednesday, the Israeli military said its air defense system intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. Sirens had sounded in multiple areas across Israel before the interception. Shortly after, Houthi spokesman Yehya Saree released a statement claiming the attack.He reported that the rebels employed a Zulfiqar ballistic missile and drone to attack Israel's principal civilian airport. He further alleged drone attacks on military targets and the port of Eilat.
This is the second attack by the Houthis on Israel. They have made several long-range attacks since the Gaza war began in October 2023 in what they claim is an act of solidarity with Palestinians.
Israel Strikes Back with Air Attacks on Yemen
Israel reacted to Houthi provocation with a string of air strikes. Israeli warplanes targeted strategic sites in Yemen, including the port city of Hodeida, a major Red Sea port occupied by the Houthis, early this month.These attacks come after a series of missile and drone threats made by the Houthis, who claim to be acting to compel Israel to stop its Gaza war. The war has now spilt far beyond the Israeli-Palestinian theatre, attracting regional powers such as Iran and its proxy forces.
Massive Iranian Arms Shipment Intercepted
In a significant breakthrough, Yemeni government forces announced the capture of 750 tonnes of weapons being shipped from Iran to the Houthis. US Central Command hailed the operation as the largest-ever capture of Iranian conventional weapons.Yemeni National Resistance Forces commander Tarek Saleh confirmed the seizure. He added that the cargo had contained missile systems, air defense weapons, drones, radars, sniper guns, ammunition, and surveillance equipment.
The US and its allies consider such deliveries evidence of Iran's extensive role in equipping and backing the Houthis in their regional operations.
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Become Flashpoints Once More
The Houthis have also restarted lethal Red Sea and Gulf of Aden attacks against international shipping. They say the ships are Israeli-linked and are part of their pressure campaign against Tel Aviv.These attacks have threatened international shipping lanes and heightened the stakes in an already volatile region of intersecting conflicts. Western military powers, the US and UK, have stepped up patrols of the region, but the danger persists.
As the Gaza conflict continues, the Houthis seem set on taking a leading role in the anti-Israel axis, even if it means inviting direct retribution from the Israeli armed forces.