Explained: Yemen's Houthis Join Israel-Palestine War; Fires Missiles and Drones at Israel
Israel-Palestine War: Yemen-based Houthi rebels have entered the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict
Yemen's Houthis Join Israel-Palestine War Latest News: The Yemen-based Houthi rebels have entered the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict by launching missile and drone attacks on Israel from over 1,000 miles away. This development underscores the growing regional complexities and risks associated with the conflict.
Support from the "Axis of Resistance":
The Houthi rebels, known for their affiliation with Iran's "Axis of Resistance," have thrown their weight behind the Palestinian cause since the outbreak of hostilities when Hamas initiated attacks against Israel on October 7. This move has expanded the conflict, presenting a new front for the Houthis, who have been locked in an eight-year war with a Saudi-led coalition in the Gulf.
Houthi's Pledge to the Palestinian Cause:
In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the launch of a "large number" of ballistic missiles and drones directed towards Israel. He vowed that more such attacks would follow to "support the Palestinians in their pursuit of victory."
This statement confirms the widening scope of the conflict, which has caused concerns among states, notably Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, as Israel intensifies its efforts to dismantle Hamas's stronghold in the Gaza Strip.
Houthi Involvement in the Conflict:
This marks the third instance of Houthi involvement in the conflict since its inception. It appears to confirm their responsibility for a drone attack on October 28, resulting in explosions in Egypt and attributed to the Houthis by Israel. They were also allegedly behind an incident on October 19 when the U.S. Navy intercepted three cruise missiles.
Israel's Response Unclear:
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi expressed the intolerability of Houthi attacks but did not provide details on how Israel might respond.
Houthi's Stance and "Axis of Resistance":
The Houthi movement is a significant component of the "Axis of Resistance," which opposes both Israel and the United States. This alliance has been active in conducting various attacks across the region since October 7. Iran-backed Iraqi militias have engaged with U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, while Lebanon's Hezbollah has exchanged fire with Israeli forces on the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Potential Risks for Saudi Arabia:
The Houthi rebels have previously demonstrated their missile and drone capabilities during the Yemeni conflict, launching attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Saudi-led coalition accuses Iran of providing support to the Houthis, although the group denies being an Iranian proxy and claims to develop its own weapons.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has deployed aircraft carriers in the region as a deterrent to prevent the Gaza conflict from spreading. Iran has also expressed its desire to avoid the escalation of the war.
Iran's Warning:
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian hinted that Tehran's allies could take further actions, stating, "Resistance groups will not remain silent in the face of the Zionist regime's crimes and America's full support for the Zionist regime." He emphasized that these groups might act independently, and the situation could escalate with far-reaching consequences.
Houthi's Stance on Israel:
Houthi spokesperson Saree blamed Israel for contributing to instability in the Middle East, asserting that Israel's "continued crimes" were expanding the "circle of conflict" in the region. The Houthi rebels have pledged to continue their attacks until Israeli aggression ceases.
Although Houthi missiles and drones have been intercepted in recent hostilities, analysts believe that, for now, their attacks are more symbolic than a genuine military threat. The risk to Israel would increase if a full-scale engagement were to occur, overwhelming air defenses.
However, the increasing Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel have heightened concerns of potential conflict spillover for Saudi Arabia. The flight path for drones or missiles launched from Yemen passes over western Saudi Arabia, near the Red Sea, making Saudi Arabia vulnerable to such attacks. Notably, As tensions escalate, Saudi Arabia faces the challenge of balancing its relations with the United States, Israel, and Iran, aiming to maintain regional stability.
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