BTN News: In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia struck central Israel early Sunday morning, marking the second successful attack by the Iran-backed group in as many months. The missile, reportedly fired in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, sounded air-raid sirens across Israeli cities and forced residents into shelters, underscoring the increasing reach and capabilities of the Houthis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of retaliation, describing the attack as part of a broader struggle against Iranian-backed militias. As tensions continue to mount, fears of a wider regional conflict grow, drawing in various factions across the Middle East.
Escalation of Hostilities: Houthi Missile Strikes Israel Again
A missile fired by the Yemen-based Houthi militia hit the center of Israel early Sunday, September 15, 2024, the second such attack in recent months. The missile, launched around 6:30 am, triggered air-raid sirens in several cities and towns across central Israel, including Modin and Lod, causing panic as residents rushed to fortified rooms and shelters.
Israeli military officials initially reported that the missile landed in an open area and caused no casualties. However, further investigations suggested that the missile might have fragmented in the air, and authorities are assessing their interception attempts.
Houthi Militants Claim Responsibility, Promise More Attacks
Yahya Sarea, a spokesperson for the Houthi militia, confirmed the missile launch, claiming it was a ballistic missile targeting a military objective in central Israel. Although independent verification is pending, Sarea warned of future attacks, stating, “The enemy should expect more quality operations.” Another Houthi representative, Nasruddin Amer, said the attack was intended to pressure Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza, emphasizing, “The problem is in Gaza, and the solution lies in Gaza.”
Israel Responds: “We Will Make Them Pay a High Price”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly condemned the attack, calling it part of a broader “battle against the Iranian axis of evil that seeks our destruction.” In a stern warning to the Houthis, he declared, “They should already know we make them pay a high price for any attempt to harm us.” Netanyahu’s remarks came during a cabinet meeting, where he hinted at possible retaliatory actions against Houthi forces in Yemen.
Regional Implications: Iran-Backed Militias Intensify Attacks
The attack by the Houthis comes amid a broader regional escalation involving various Iran-supported militias. Hamas, based in Gaza, praised the Houthi missile strike, with its spokesperson, Abu Obeida, welcoming the action as part of the resistance. Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militant group, also intensified its cross-border attacks on Israel, launching dozens of rockets and exchanging fire almost daily since October 8, 2023, in what has become a deadly back-and-forth between the two sides.
U.S. Concerns: “No New Capabilities,” But Risks Persist
A senior official from the Biden administration downplayed the missile attack’s significance, stating that the weapon used by the Houthis did not represent a new capability for the group. However, the official acknowledged that the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militias, including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas, risks a broader regional war, especially as Iran’s proxies continue to coordinate their efforts against Israeli interests.
Wider Fallout: Attacks Across Multiple Fronts
As Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, there are increasing attacks against Israeli assets from different fronts. In July 2024, the Houthis launched a drone strike on Tel Aviv, resulting in casualties near the U.S. embassy. Israel retaliated by bombing the Houthi-controlled port of Hudaydah, leading to several deaths and injuries. In another incident on Sunday, about 40 projectiles were fired into Israel from Lebanon, some of which were intercepted while others landed in open areas, causing no injuries.
The Role of International Diplomacy: Calls for Ceasefire Unheeded
Despite mounting international efforts to broker a ceasefire, including those led by the United States, the war in Gaza has now entered its twelfth month with no end in sight. Both Israel and Hamas have shown little appetite for peace, with hardline leaders like Netanyahu and Yahya Sinwar of Hamas standing firm. Sinwar, an architect of the initial Hamas attacks, has remained out of public view, although recent correspondence with Hezbollah’s leader suggests ongoing coordination among Iran’s allies.
Changing Dynamics: Houthis Seek Greater Role in Muslim World
Analysts suggest that the Houthis, traditionally a local Yemeni militia, are now attempting to reposition themselves as defenders of the broader Muslim world. Mohammed Albasha, an expert on the Middle East, remarked, “The Houthis are shifting their narrative; they no longer view themselves as a merely local or national Yemeni group.” This shift has included threats to ships in the Red Sea and attacks on Israeli interests, leading to counterstrikes from Israel and its Western allies.
Conclusion: Growing Fears of a Broader Middle East Conflict
With the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas increasing their coordinated assaults on Israel, there are growing fears that the conflict could expand into a larger regional war. As tensions flare and retaliatory strikes continue, the international community remains on high alert, urging all sides to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.
