Israel has significantly increased its military involvement against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This comes after a reported Iranian drone attack on Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, that injured at least 22 and put two of those in serious condition. A drone attack launched from Yemen targeting the arrivals hall at Israel’s Ramon Airport. This attack is a serious escalation of the conflict between the two sides.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired back – retaliating in waves of strikes ordered after the surprise attack. They struck Houthi military installations and infrastructure, which they claim are being utilized by the rebel group. The Israeli military then launched a big agreement-changing attack on an Iranian military site just outside Damascus near the presidential palace. They hit two power plants and a fuel storage facility.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, promised retribution against the Houthis for their provocation. He stated, “Whoever harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold,” emphasizing Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens. Katz further remarked on the Houthis’ actions, saying, “The Houthi terrorists refuse to learn from Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza – and they will learn the hard way.”
Since Israel’s war with Hamas escalated in October 2023, the Houthis have conducted massive missile and drone bombardments. This dangerous escalation is the continuation of that ugly war. For their part, the Houthis have justified these strikes as being carried out in support of the Palestinian cause. Although many of these attacks have been intercepted by Israel’s advanced air defense systems, the assault on Eilat marks a concerning development for Israeli security.
Just three weeks into the new year, the IDF publicly admitted that they assassinated Ahmed al-Rahawi in an Israeli airstrike. He was the Houthis’ de facto Prime Minister in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. The Houthis confirmed the death of al-Rahawi and stated that other senior officers were severely injured in the same strike.
As tensions increase across the region, Israel is certainly on guard against any additional Houthi attacks. The recent attacks and the subsequent Israeli response underline the growing complexity of conflicts involving multiple factions across the Middle East.
