The recent escalation of violence between Israel and the Yemeni Houthi movement has further destabilized the Middle East, with both sides exchanging missile strikes in a proxy battle that has drawn in regional and world powers. The conflict began with a Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv, which prompted Israel to launch its first public strikes against the Iran-aligned group.
The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, has been targeting Israel in response to Israel’s assault on Gaza. The group has launched missiles and drones at Israel, disrupting global trade through the Red Sea. Israel claims that the Houthis have launched 200 attacks against them since the Gaza war began, with many of them intercepted but some proving deadly.
In a rare occurrence, a Houthi drone strike hit Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality. This prompted Israel to retaliate with airstrikes near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, killing six people and injuring over 80, according to local medics. The Houthi movement has vowed to continue its attacks on Israel, with spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam stating that there will be “no red lines” in their targeting.
The recent missile launch from Yemen towards Israel was intercepted by Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system. Air raid sirens sounded in the Red Sea port city of Eilat, causing residents to seek shelter. The ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and the Houthis are part of a larger conflict that has seen Iran-aligned groups supporting Hamas in Gaza by launching rockets and missiles at Israel.
The war in Gaza began on October 7 after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages taken back to Gaza. Israel has since conducted airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, aiming to eliminate Hamas. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, with health officials in Gaza reporting nearly 39,000 deaths.
The Houthi movement, which controls significant portions of Yemen, has targeted Eilat and other locations in Israel, claiming to act in retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The group has also disrupted Red Sea shipping routes for months. Hamas’ allies include Iran-backed groups like the Houthis, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iraqi paramilitaries.
The ongoing conflict highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East, with various groups and countries supporting different factions. The involvement of regional and world powers further complicates the situation, with the potential for further escalation and instability in the region.
As the conflict between Israel and the Houthi movement continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The proxy battle between these two sides underscores the challenges of achieving peace and stability in a region plagued by longstanding conflicts and rivalries.