With Hamas significantly weakened and Hezbollah diminished, the Houthis in Yemen have emerged as Iran’s most active and dangerous proxy, escalating their missile strikes against Israel and disrupting regional stability.
In response to these threats, the Israeli defense minister announced plans to target Houthi leadership and dismantle their infrastructure directly. This strategy aims to neutralize the growing menace posed by the Iranian-backed group, which continues to launch attacks under the pretext of solidarity with Hamas in Gaza.
The Houthis have significantly increased their missile and drone strikes in recent weeks, including a ballistic missile targeting central Israel that was intercepted by Israeli air defense systems. These attacks have prompted widespread aerial sirens in metropolitan areas like Tel Aviv, highlighting the growing reach and sophistication of Houthi capabilities.
Israel has responded with precision airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, over 2,000 kilometers away, demonstrating its operational reach and commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
Beyond military actions, Israel is intensifying diplomatic efforts to isolate the Houthis internationally. Officials, including the foreign minister, are advocating for broader recognition of the Houthis as a terrorist organization, emphasizing their threat to global trade and security.
While countries such as the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have designated the Houthis as terrorists, European nations have yet to take similar action. Israeli leaders argue that the group’s attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, a critical artery connecting Asia to Europe, represent a direct challenge to global order and freedom of navigation.
The Houthis, heavily funded and armed by Iran, have launched over 200 missiles and drones toward Israel over the past year. These actions align with Tehran’s broader strategy of destabilizing the region through its network of proxies. The Houthis’ open calls for the destruction of Israel mirror the rhetoric of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime, further solidifying their role as a key pillar of Iran’s regional agenda.
The ongoing conflict traces back to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of 251 people, with approximately 97 hostages still held in Gaza. Since then, the war has expanded beyond Israel’s borders, with the Houthis actively participating in Iran’s campaign against the Jewish state.