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The escalating conflict between Israel and the Houthi rebels in Yemen has reached a new intensity with Israel launching airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. These strikes come as a direct response to a series of missile attacks launched by the Houthis against Israeli territory, marking a significant escalation of tensions in the region.
On Sunday, the Israeli military confirmed that its fighter jets had targeted Ras Isa and Hodeidah in western Yemen, citing the Houthis' ongoing attacks on Israel as justification for the strikes. The Israeli statement also accused the Houthis of operating under the direction and funding of Iran and collaborating with Iraqi militias to undermine regional stability and disrupt global navigation.
The Houthi-controlled Al Masirah station reported that the Israeli attacks targeted not only the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Isa, but also two power stations, causing power outages in Hodeidah. These strikes follow a pattern established in July when Israel previously struck Hodeidah's port, causing significant damage, after a Houthi drone strike penetrated Israeli air defenses and resulted in the death of a civilian in Tel Aviv.
The Houthis' missile attacks against Israel, including the targeting of Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, have been characterized as acts of solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip. Since October 2023, the Houthis have repeatedly launched attacks on Israeli territory and Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The escalation of tensions between Israel and the Houthis coincides with the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Houthis have demanded that Israel halt its assault on Lebanon, aligning themselves with Hezbollah's resistance against Israel. This alliance, backed by Iran, underscores the complex regional dynamics and the intertwining of conflicts across the Middle East.
The recent events highlight the growing interconnectedness of regional conflicts and the potential for wider escalation. As Israel and its regional adversaries continue to engage in a tit-for-tat cycle of attacks and counterattacks, the risk of a full-blown conflict remains high, with significant implications for regional stability and international security.
Source: Israeli army launches air raids on Yemen’s Ras Isa and Hodeidah