Global Threat: Israel-Houthi Conflict Escalates with Retaliatory Raids
San’a: Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed a missile attack against Israel, which was intercepted and prompted Israeli strikes on key infrastructure in Yemen, including ports and energy facilities.
The Iran-backed fighters, who control most of Yemen’s population centers, have repeatedly launched missile attacks against Israel since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. The Houthis belong to the so-called "Axis of Resistance", along with Lebanese group Hezbollah, which has been weakened after a conflict with Israel and the loss of its Syrian supply line following former president Bashar al-Assad’s ouster.
Retaliatory Raids
In response to the missile attack, Israel launched a series of air strikes across Yemen’s western coast, targeting power stations, oil facilities, and a port in Hodeidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes were condemned by Iran, which denounced the raids as a "flagrant violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter".
Global Threat
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat", pointing to Iran’s support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said.
Background:
The Houthis have been involved in a long-standing conflict with the Yemeni government and have repeatedly launched missile attacks against Israel. In July, a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The group has also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets by US and sometimes British forces.
Conclusion:
The escalation of violence between Israel and the Houthis highlights the growing threat posed by the group to regional stability. The international community must work to address the underlying issues driving the conflict and promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the current situation in Yemen?
Yemen is currently embroiled in a long-standing conflict between the government and the Houthi rebels. - What is the relationship between the Houthis and Israel?
The Houthis have launched multiple missile attacks against Israel, which has led to retaliatory strikes. - What is the role of Iran in the conflict?
Iran is a key backer of the Houthis and has provided them with significant military support. - What is the impact of the conflict on regional stability?
The conflict has led to a significant escalation of violence and poses a growing threat to regional stability.