Yemen’s Houthi movement has launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israel, marking its first direct strikes since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the attack, saying the strikes targeted what he described as “sensitive Israeli military sites” in southern Israel. “Strikes will continue until the declared objectives are achieved… and until the aggression against all fronts of the resistance ceases,” Saree said. The Israeli military said it intercepted at least one missile, while sirens were reported in areas including Beersheba. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.
The escalation follows earlier signals from the Houthis that they could join the widening regional conflict, which already involves Iran and Hezbollah. The group, which controls Yemen’s capital Sanaa, has previously targeted international shipping routes in the Red Sea, attacking more than 100 vessels between late 2023 and early 2025.
A senior Houthi official, Mohammed Mansour, said further escalation could include disrupting maritime traffic. “We are conducting this battle in stages, and closing the Bab al-Mandeb strait is among our options,” he said.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical global trade route, with a significant portion of Israel’s imports passing through it. Analysts warn that any attempt to block the strait, alongside tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, could have major consequences for global trade and energy markets.
Experts say the Houthis’ entry into the conflict could significantly widen the war, adding pressure on Israel as it continues to face attacks from multiple fronts, including Lebanon. Israel is expected to respond, raising fears of further escalation across the region.