In the latest escalation between Israel and the Yemen-based Huthi rebels, Israeli air strikes have reportedly killed nine people, according to rebel sources. This follows the Huthis launching a missile towards Israel, damaging a school in Tel Aviv. As the conflict intensifies, both sides are retaliating with growing aggression.
In this article, I’ll break down what led to the attacks, the response from both Israel and the Huthi rebels, and what this means for the ongoing Middle East conflict. Let’s dive into the facts and context surrounding this escalating situation.
The Huthi Rebels and the Israeli Response
On Thursday, December 19th, 2024, Israel retaliated after the Huthi rebels launched a missile from Yemen towards Israeli territory. The missile was intercepted, but it caused significant damage to a school in the Tel Aviv area. Israel’s military said the missile warhead exploded after being partially intercepted, with photos showing the aftermath: part of a building collapsed, next to a sculpture of an animal with polka dots.
In response, Israel carried out a series of air strikes, which targeted key Huthi infrastructure, including ports in Hodeida and power stations in Sanaa. Rebel sources confirmed that the strikes killed nine civilians, including seven at the Al-Saleef port and two more at an oil facility.
The Bigger Picture: Huthi’s Solidarity with Palestine
The Huthi rebels have been particularly vocal about their support for the Palestinian cause. Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in 2023, they have frequently launched missiles and drones at Israel. Their missile strikes are part of their broader solidarity with Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, which has been under Israeli siege.
The Huthis, who control most of Yemen’s population centres, are backed by Iran and are part of the broader “axis of resistance,” alongside groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Huthis are one of the last arms of Iran’s influence in the region, after the weakening of Hezbollah and the loss of Syria’s support.
Israel’s Retaliatory Strikes in Yemen
Israel’s military said the air strikes on Yemen were in response to the missile launch. “We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel,” said military spokesman Daniel Hagari. The strikes were precise and targeted military infrastructure that the Huthis have been using to launch their attacks. The goal, according to Israel, is to prevent further strikes against its territory.
Yemen’s strategic location along the Red Sea has made it a focal point for attacks and counterattacks, especially concerning shipping lanes. The Huthis have targeted both military and civilian shipping vessels in the area, prompting retaliatory strikes by the United States and occasionally the United Kingdom.
Iran’s Involvement and the Growing Tensions
Iran’s support for the Huthi rebels is no secret. The Iranian regime provides military and logistical support to the Huthis, which they view as part of their larger regional strategy. Israel has long expressed concern over Iran’s influence in the region, particularly through groups like the Huthis and Hezbollah.
In the wake of the recent missile attacks, Iran condemned Israel’s air strikes as a “flagrant violation of international law.” This reflects the broader tension in the region, where Israel views Iran as a significant threat. Netanyahu’s recent comments about the Huthis being part of the “axis of evil” further highlight the deepening rift between Israel and Iran-backed groups.
The International Repercussions
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Huthis is contributing to a broader sense of instability in the Middle East. Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is engaged in its own war against Israel in Gaza, called Israel’s retaliatory strikes a “dangerous development.” The Israeli military is working to contain not only the threat from Gaza but also from other groups in the region, like the Huthis.
As the situation escalates, the potential for more widespread conflict grows. Yemen, already in the grips of a devastating civil war, is suffering from the effects of this broader Middle Eastern struggle. The Huthis continue to launch attacks on Israel, and Israel continues to strike back, with both sides showing little sign of backing down.
What’s Next? A Dangerous Escalation
With each missile launched and each retaliatory strike, the situation becomes more volatile. The question now is how far both sides are willing to escalate. Israel’s military spokesman has made it clear that they will not hesitate to take action against any threat to Israel, whether it comes from Yemen or elsewhere in the Middle East.
The Huthis, for their part, have expressed their readiness to confront any level of escalation, reflecting their unwavering stance against Israeli actions in Gaza. With regional powers like Iran backing the rebels and Israel determined to protect its borders, the situation shows signs of further deterioration.
Conclusion: The Growing Threat of the Huthis and Regional Instability
The attack by the Huthis on Israel and Israel’s subsequent air strikes in Yemen are just the latest chapter in a long-standing and complicated conflict. The Huthis’ actions are part of a broader regional struggle, one that involves numerous actors with their own interests at stake. With Israel and the Huthis both preparing for further escalation, the region is on edge. As these attacks continue, the threat of a larger conflict looms larger, with serious consequences for both the Middle East and the wider world.
Relevant links for further reading:
- Huthi Rebels – Link
- Middle East Conflict – Link
- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) – Link
- Iranian Influence in the Middle East – Link
- Yemen Civil War – Link
- Hamas – Link
Photo credit: Reuters
