Yemen (Washington Insider Magazine) – The conflict in the Middle East has expanded with the first confrontations between Yemeni Houthi rebels and Israel. Following ongoing battles in Gaza and tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Houthis launched a drone attack on Tel Aviv on Friday. In response, Israel bombed the Yemeni port city of Hodeida. Further attacks would follow as long as Israel continued its war in Gaza, the Houthis declared. They can also reach the EU member Cyprus with their drones.
Houthis’ Increasing Aggression
Israeli military sources report that over 200 drones and rockets have been launched by the Houthis into Israeli territory since the Gaza conflict began in October. While most were intercepted, a long-range drone struck Tel Aviv on Friday, killing one person. Israel attributes this breach to human error in their air defense systems.
Israel’s First Airstrikes in Yemen
In retaliation, Israel responded with its air force’s first bombing in Yemen, Hodeida. According to the Israeli military, the port was used for arms deliveries from Iran to the Houthis. The airstrikes on a power station and oil tanks sparked a massive fire, killing six people. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated Israel’s willingness to retaliate against any threats.
Potential for Escalation
The conflict is expected to intensify as the Houthis, supported by Iran, aim to assist Hamas in its war against Israel. This has included attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean. Western warships frequently intercept Houthi missiles or drones targeting vessels with alleged Israeli connections, causing a significant reduction in Suez Canal shipping traffic.
Increasing Range of Houthi Drones
According to kleinezeitung, the recent drone attack on Tel Aviv signals the Houthis‘ willingness to confront Israel openly. As their drones’ range increases, the threat extends to Israel and possibly Cyprus. According to a US military intelligence analysis, Houthi drones can now reach targets from Tanzania to Turkey. This includes potential strikes on Cyprus, where the British Air Force has previously launched operations against Houthi positions from bases on the island.
Houthis’ Resilience
Yemeni expert Abdulghani al-Iryani asserts that the Houthis can endure Israel’s counterattacks. Having withstood a prolonged conflict with the Western-backed Saudi Arabian army, the Houthis remain resilient. They understand that none of their adversaries are likely to initiate a ground offensive in Yemen. Despite American and British airstrikes, the Houthis continue their drone and missile assaults.
