Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility on Tuesday for launching two missile attacks within 24 hours against Israel – signalling an increased support for Palestinians during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced via Al Masirah TV that Houthi forces had launched “a new round of ballistic missiles and drones toward occupied territories”, targeting unspecified military sites in southern Israel as part of an “ongoing response against aggression against Palestinian people in Gaza”. He called this action part of “continual resistance”.
Though no immediate reports of casualties or damage were filed immediately after, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted several aerial threats over the Red Sea and southern Israeli airspace, prompting sirens in Eilat and temporarily closing schools and public buildings.
Israel Defense Forces remains on high alert and are prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any threats emanating from any direction, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. While no specific source was confirmed for these long-range launches, past attacks by Houthis had previously been blamed by Israel.
Houthis attacks against Israel continue, underscoring their growing regional influence during Gaza war. Earlier in the day, they claimed they had targeted Israeli infrastructure with drones – however international forces intercepted these in Red Sea.
Houthis, a Shiite rebel group supported by Iran, have intensified their rhetoric and actions against Israel since the war in Gaza began last year. Though their attacks have yet to cause significant physical damage, military analysts warn that their long-range capabilities developed through years of conflict with Saudi-led coalition could further destabilize the region.
“These attacks may be symbolic but they pose real risks,” noted Middle East analyst Kareem Badr. They show that Gaza conflict has spread beyond Gaza borders and may provoke further confrontations from Yemen to Lebanon.
The United States, with naval forces stationed in the Red Sea, issued a strong condemnation of Houthi missile launches and voiced support for Israel’s right to defend itself. A Pentagon official stated that their forces remain “closely coordinated” with regional partners to deter further Houthi aggression.
Arab League officials have advised against expanding fronts, fearing that this will only compound humanitarian suffering throughout the Middle East.
As darkness descends, tensions remain high with Israel and its allies bracing themselves for any further developments.