.png)
In a dramatic escalation of the Yemen conflict, Israel launched airstrikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, destroying an oil refinery and a power plant, and causing nearly 100 casualties. This marks the first time Israel has directly targeted Yemen, responding to an unprecedented event just the day before, the 19th of July, when a Houthi missile struck Tel Aviv, killing one person. This successful strike, the first of its kind by the Houthis, has sent shockwaves through the region, significantly raising the stakes in the already complex Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
The Yemen conflict, which began in 2014, has evolved into a devastating civil war with regional and international implications. The conflict began when the Houthis, a Shiite rebel group originating from northern Yemen, seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and have since maintained significant influence over Yemen’s western regions, including crucial coastal areas along the Red Sea. Initially, the Houthis were seen as a local insurgency, but their capabilities and ambitions have grown, largely due to backing from Iran. This support has included advanced missile technology and drones, which the Houthis have increasingly used to project power beyond Yemen’s borders.
The recent attack on Tel Aviv underscores this growing threat, with the Houthis deploying a new type of aircraft known as the "Jaffa" drone. This drone managed to evade Israel’s extensive air defence systems, flying undetected into Israeli airspace. However, the Israeli military later identified the drone as an Iranian-made Samad-3, modified for the mission. The drone flew for 10 hours, not directly from Yemen, but
through Egypt and into Tel Aviv at a low altitude from the Mediterranean Sea.
See the breaking new coverage of the Houthis claiming responsibility for the attack on Tel Aviv
The drone's modifications included a reduction in explosive payload from the standard 18 kilograms to less than 10 kilograms, allowing it to carry more fuel and extend its range by an additional 500 kilometres. Despite claims that the drone was detected and tracked, a “human error” prevented it from being labelled as a threat, leading to the success of the Houthi mission. These developments represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, putting Yemen’s neighbours and adversaries on high alert.
The Houthis have vowed to continue targeting Israel until it ceases its military actions against Gaza. Their hostility towards Israel is rooted in a combination of ideological opposition and political strategy. The Houthis have long pledged solidarity with the Palestinian cause, and Israel’s ongoing military actions against Palestinians in Gaza have intensified their animosity. The Houthis’ leadership views their fight against Israel as part of a broader resistance against perceived Western and Zionist aggression in the region.
The Red Sea, a critical artery of global trade, connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital maritime route for energy supplies and goods moving between Europe, Asia, and beyond, with approximately 12%-15% of global trade passing through the Suez Canal in 2023 The Houthis’ control over parts of Yemen’s western coast has allowed them to exert significant influence over this crucial waterway. Their use of drones, missiles, and even pirate attacks against ships linked to Israel and other adversaries has disrupted maritime security and raised concerns about the safety of one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
This escalation has drawn the attention of regional powers, particularly Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who have vested interests in maintaining control over the Red Sea and preventing Iranian influence from spreading via the Houthis. Iran’s support for the Houthis is seen as part of its broader strategy to challenge Saudi and Western dominance in the region, using proxies to extend its reach. The recent Houthi missile strike on Tel Aviv and Israel’s retaliatory strike on Hodeidah are likely to further destabilise the Red Sea region. Other countries with interests in the area, including the United States and European nations, may feel compelled to intervene more forcefully to protect their maritime interests and counter the growing threat posed by the Houthis.
The recent tensions between the Houthis and Israel could signal the beginning of a new, more dangerous phase in the Yemen conflict. If the Houthis continue to target Israel, this could provoke a broader regional conflict, potentially drawing in other countries and further complicating an already volatile situation. Within Yemen, this new front in the conflict might shift the dynamics of the ongoing civil war. The Houthis’ focus on Israel may detract from their fight against the Saudi-led coalition and the Yemeni government, potentially altering the balance of power on the ground.
However, it could also bring renewed international attention to the Yemen conflict, which has often been overshadowed by other crises in the Middle East. The Houthis’ strategic goals appear to be twofold: to enhance their regional influence and to solidify their ideological stance against Israel and its allies. By successfully striking Tel Aviv, they have demonstrated a capability that few believed they possessed, potentially increasing their leverage in negotiations and raising their profile among other anti-Israel groups and states.
The international community’s response to these developments will be crucial. Increased pressure on Iran to curb its support for the Houthis, along with potential diplomatic efforts to mediate between Israel and Yemen, could help de-escalate tensions. However, if these efforts fail, the conflict could spiral further out of control, with devastating consequences for the region and beyond.
Comentários