In Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Houthi rebels from Yemen launched a missile and drone attack on Israel for the first time on Tuesday, targeting Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, escalating regional tensions.

The Houthis began this month by firing missiles and drones at Israel, raising concerns of an attack, with the US Navy intercepting the weapons. At that time, Israel announced that its fighter jets and its new air defense system had brought down two of the missiles, while the rest fell into the Red Sea.

During the same time, on Tuesday, Israel broke a two-year ceasefire with the destruction of Hamas drones on a key shipping lane in the Red Sea near the port of Eilat, except for a mysterious explosion on Thursday that occurred near Israel's border with Egypt in the resort town of Taba. The explosion, for which Egyptian authorities did not provide any details, left eight people injured.

Houthi rebels, who have controlled the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, since 2014 as part of a destructive civil war in the country, claimed responsibility for the attacks, representing three drone attacks in a later military statement.

Houthi rebels from Yemen launched a missile and drone attack on Israel for the first time, targeting Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, escalating regional tensions.

The Houthis began this month by firing missiles and drones at Israel, raising concerns of an attack. Israel announced that its fighter jets and its new air defense system had brought down two of the missiles, while the rest fell into the Red Sea.

During the same time, on Tuesday, Israel broke a two-year ceasefire with the destruction of Hamas drones on a key shipping lane in the Red Sea near the port of Eilat, except for a mysterious explosion on Thursday that occurred near Israel's border with Egypt in the resort town of Taba. The explosion, for which Egyptian authorities did not provide any details, left eight people injured.

Houthi rebels, who have controlled the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, since 2014 as part of a destructive civil war in the country, claimed responsibility for the attacks, representing three drone attacks in a later military statement.

The Yemeni Houthi Rebels' Bold Assertion

The Houthi rebels, who have been embroiled in a protracted conflict in Yemen, shocked the world by openly declaring their involvement in attacks on Israeli territories. These attacks, which included both missile strikes and drone incursions, were aimed at various locations within Israel. This bold assertion has sparked international attention and raised questions about the Houthi rebels' capabilities and motivations.

Understanding the Conflict in Yemen

To comprehend the gravity of this situation, it's essential to grasp the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, have been fighting against the Yemeni government and a coalition led by Saudi Arabia since 2014. This conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions, with millions of Yemeni civilians suffering from food shortages, lack of medical care, and displacement.

Iran's Role as the Houthi Rebels' Sponsor

One of the key players in the Yemeni conflict is Iran, which has been accused of providing support to the Houthi rebels. While Iran has denied these allegations, there is evidence suggesting that they have supplied the rebels with weapons and financial assistance. The Houthi rebels' newfound ability to strike Israel has raised concerns about the extent of Iran's involvement and its strategic objectives in the region.

Implications for Israel

The attacks on Israeli soil by the Houthi rebels have naturally raised alarm in Israel. The country, which has dealt with threats from various quarters for years, is now confronted with a new and unpredictable adversary. The Israeli government has expressed its concerns and vowed to respond to these attacks, but the situation remains complex and delicate.

Hamas and the Broader Regional Context

Hamas, a Palestinian political and military organization, has been in conflict with Israel for decades. The Houthi rebels' claim that their actions bring Iran closer to the Hamas war underscores the interconnectedness of regional conflicts in the Middle East. While the precise nature of this connection remains a subject of debate, it is clear that these developments have the potential to affect the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

International Response and Diplomacy

The international community has reacted swiftly to these developments. Calls for restraint and de-escalation have come from various countries and organizations. Diplomatic efforts are underway to understand the full scope of these attacks and to prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.

ref: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/yemens-houthi-rebels-claim-attacks-israel-drawing-main-104514030