For the first time, Israel has struck targets in Yemen in response to a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv by Houthi rebels. This escalation follows a series of regional tensions and military actions since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.The conflict reached a new height on Friday when a drone attack targeted Tel Aviv, resulting in the death of one Israeli and injuries to several others. The Houthis, with spokesperson Yahya Saree claiming responsibility, described the drone as a new model capable of evading interception systems. Saree emphasised that the strikes were a response to what he termed “the enemys massacres and daily crimes against our brothers in Gaza,” vowing continued operations until the blockade on Gaza is lifted. This drone strike represents a significant escalation, as it marks the first time Tel Aviv has been hit by a Houthi drone. Israeli authorities are currently investigating potential security lapses surrounding the attack.🚨🇮🇱🇾🇪 ISRAEL ON HIGH ALERT: HOUTHIS RETALIATION IMMINENTIsraeli media reports that all sectors of the military have raised their state of alert in anticipation of a retaliatory attack from the Houthis.Tens of thousands of people are seeking shelter in Tel Aviv and across… pic.twitter.com/S7Bf8GvaJX— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 21, 2024Israeli retaliationIn response, Israel conducted an airstrike on Yemens Hodeidah port on Saturday, marking its first military action against Yemen. The strike resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries, according to Yemeni officials. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the Israeli attack targeted oil facilities and a power station. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the action as “brutal Israeli aggression,” aimed at increasing suffering and pressuring the Houthis to withdraw support from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, stating that the port was used by Iran to funnel weapons to the Houthis. He emphasised that the attack demonstrated Israels resolve to address threats, asserting, “There is no place that the long arm of the State of Israel will not reach.”Escalation risksThe exchange between Israel and the Houthis has the potential to open a new front in an already volatile region. Houthi spokesperson Yehya Saree indicated that the group is prepared for a prolonged conflict, while Israels Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of severe consequences for any attacks on Israeli citizens. The conflict has also seen a rise in tensions with Hezbollah, which has been engaged in cross-border fire with Israel since October 8 in solidarity with Palestinians.Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has vowed to continue the escalation in support of Gaza, marking the drone attack on Tel Aviv as a new phase in the conflict. Despite the growing challenges posed by the Houthis, experts, including Yoel Guzansky from the Institute for National Security Studies, suggest that Hezbollah remains a more significant threat due to its extensive arsenal and proximity to Israel. Guzansky believes that Israels recent actions are intended to send a strong message to both the U.S. and the international community about the consequences of supporting rogue actors.As the situation unfolds, the potential for increased hostilities between Israel and Irans proxies remains a critical concern, given the broader implications for regional stability.
