Title: Houthi Rebels Launch Attack on Israeli City, Escalating Israel-Hamas Conflict
In a significant development, Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, launched a missile and drone attack on the Israeli city of Eilat. The rebels, who have seized Yemen’s capital Sanaa and control vast areas of the country, claimed responsibility and vowed to continue targeting Israel. This attack signifies the official entry of the Iran-backed Houthi group into the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israel’s military confirmed that they successfully intercepted the approaching aerial targets, averting any harm to the southernmost city of Eilat. Notably, this marked the first operational use of the long-range Arrow air defense system during the war with Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that there was no intrusion into Israeli territory.
Prompted by a sense of responsibility towards the Palestinian people in Gaza and perceiving a weak response from the Arab world, the Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Sria, stated that the attack on Israel was carried out using various drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. He affirmed that this was the third attack on Israel and warned of more strikes to come.
The Houthi rebels have long been considered part of the axis of resistance against Israel, joining terrorist outfit Hamas in their opposition. Both groups are backed by Tehran and share an anti-Israel sentiment, as depicted by their slogan Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse the Jews, Victory to Islam.
The recent attacks on Eilat are not isolated incidents. On October 27, an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Yemen struck the Egyptian town of Taba, near the Israeli border. In response, Israeli fighter jets intercepted two targets believed to be drones shortly after another infiltration attempt in Eilat. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of Israelis who have been displaced by terrorist activities and have sought temporary accommodation in Eilat, turning the city into a target for Iran-backed terrorist groups.
It is crucial to note that these developments come in the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on southern Israel and Hezbollah’s attacks in the north. As tensions continue to escalate, it is evident that multiple actors are actively involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict, further complicating the situation.
While Israel holds the Iran-backed Houthi rebels responsible for the recent attacks, the Houthi prime minister, Abdelaziz bin Habtour, claims that the drones belong to Yemen. This conflicting narrative adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relations between the various parties involved.
As the situation unfolds, it is important to acknowledge the potential consequences of these attacks and the implications they may have on the broader Israel-Hamas conflict. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments, seeking a peaceful resolution to de-escalate the ongoing violence.
