Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel would persist in taking action against the Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, accusing the group of threatening global shipping and undermining international stability. His remarks came a day after a missile fired from Yemen landed in the Tel Aviv area, causing mild injuries.
“Just as we acted forcefully against the terrorist arms of Iran’s axis of evil, so we will act against the Houthis,” Netanyahu stated in a video message, urging Israelis to remain steadfast. The missile attack marks an escalation in hostilities, following numerous Houthi-launched missile and drone attacks since the Gaza war began 14 months ago.
In response to these attacks, Israeli jets conducted airstrikes on Yemen’s energy and port infrastructure on Thursday. According to officials, these operations were aimed at countering the hundreds of missile and drone launches attributed to the Houthis. On Saturday, the United States military also conducted precision airstrikes targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control center operated by the Houthis in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital.
The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have intensified their activities, including repeated assaults on international shipping near Yemen since November 2023. These actions are part of their declared support for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s strategy would align with the United States and promised decisive measures.
“Therefore, we will act with strength, determination and sophistication. I tell you that even if it takes time, the result will be the same,” Netanyahu asserted, highlighting Israel’s commitment to countering threats.
Domestically, Netanyahu has garnered support for the Israeli military’s operations against other Iran-backed groups, such as Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and for its efforts in dismantling much of Syria’s strategic weaponry. These actions have bolstered his position as Israel faces a challenging security environment.
The escalating conflict with the Houthis adds another dimension to the broader Middle East tensions, with both Israel and the U.S. signaling their readiness to address threats from Iranian proxies. As the situation develops, the region remains on edge, with global shipping routes and international stability hanging in the balance.
