Escalating Tensions: Israel Intercepts Missile Launched from Yemen

Recent Attacks and Retaliation

In response to the December attack that wounded 16 people in Tel Aviv, the Israeli air force has struck Houthi targets, including Sana’a International Airport. The latest development in the escalating tensions between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels came on Sunday, when the Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.

The Israeli military said in a statement posted to Telegram that a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted prior to crossing into Israeli territory, following the sirens that sounded in Talmei Elazar.

Series of Recent Attacks

On Friday, Israel’s military said it shot down a missile and a drone launched from Yemen, where Iran-backed rebels have stepped up their attacks since a November ceasefire between Israel and another Iran-backed group, Hezbollah, in Lebanon.

Background and Motivations

Like Hezbollah, which began trading cross-border fire with Israel after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, the Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and have vowed to continue until there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Consequences and Retaliation

While most of the missiles and drones launched from Yemen have been intercepted, one missile wounded 16 people in Tel Aviv in December, according to Israel’s military and emergency services. In response, the Israeli air force has struck Houthi targets in Yemen, including Sana’a International Airport.

Regional Implications

The Houthi rebels have also been firing at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, destabilizing a vital shipping lane and prompting reprisal strikes by the US, and sometimes Britain, against Houthi targets. The group’s Saba news agency and Al-Masirah TV reported “three raids” on Sunday east of the city of Saada, attributing the operations to the US and Britain.

Conclusion

The recent escalation in tensions between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi rebels highlights the complex and volatile nature of the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor the developments and assess the implications for regional and global security.

FAQs

Q: What was the latest development in the tensions between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi rebels?
A: The Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Sunday.

Q: What was the outcome of the previous attacks launched from Yemen?
A: Most of the missiles and drones launched from Yemen have been intercepted, but one missile wounded 16 people in Tel Aviv in December.

Q: What is the motivation behind the Houthi rebels’ actions?
A: The Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and have vowed to continue until there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Q: What is the response of the international community to the situation?
A: The US and Britain have launched reprisal strikes against Houthi targets in response to the group’s attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.