Israel issues warnings to Houthis following missile attack
In the bright Tel Aviv morning, sirens wailed, signaling a missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport's runways. Preliminary reports suggest six minor injuries, triggering a temporary halt in flights from Lufthansa and British Airways. The attack was attributed to the Houthis, Yemeni rebels. They've been Israel's relentless tormentors, supporting Palestinians and vowing to escalate the conflict. So far, their attacks have been intercepted, but this time, an interceptor malfunction allowed one to slip through. Israel's Prime Minister has vowed swift retaliation against these Iran-backed rebels.
Israel's Fierce Retaliation
Following the May 4, 2025, Houthi attack, Israel unleashed a series of brutal strikes. On May 5, over 30 Israeli aircraft bombarded Houthi targets in Yemen, including the al-Imran cement factory near Hodeidah, causing casualties and allegedly destroying weapon manufacturing infrastructure. On the 6th, Israeli forces crippled Sanaa International Airport by striking the runway, departure hall, and destroying three civilian aircraft. Power stations in Sanaa were also hit, with Israel claiming they supported Houthi operations.
The ongoing standoff
Israel views the Houthi actions as part of the broader "axis of terror" backed by Iran. Despite Israel's retaliatory strikes, the Houthis persist in launching missiles into Israel, albeit at a lower frequency. Israel insists on confronting this threat autonomously and may entertain the idea of targeting Iranian assets if necessary.
The intricate global web
The situation is tangled due to Iran’s continued support for the Houthis, enabling them to maintain a formidable arsenal of ballistic missiles. The challenge lies in strategically targeting these resources in Yemen, possibly involving ground operations or focusing on Iranian supply lines. The U.S. military has also joined the fray, attacking Houthi targets, reflecting a joint effort to thwart the threat. However, the Houthis' resilience underscores the conflict's complexity and enduring nature.
- Amidst the ongoing standoff, French diplomats are urging for political dialogue between Israel and the Houthis, aiming to resolve this war-and-conflicts situation peacefully.
- Beyond Israel's border conflicts, global news outlets continue to cover the politics surrounding the Houthis, with recurring stories of their weapons supply from Iran, fueling tensions.
