Coincidentally, on Monday, Israel’s military struck Houthi positions in Yemen. This move followed only a day after the Iran-backed group fired a missile at Ben Gurion Airport outside of Tel Aviv. The missile hit around an access road, just beside the main terminal area. In retaliation against this clear act of aggression, Israel would soon undertake massive military operations.
The large missile attack, which took place Sunday morning, July 24, further increases tensions in an already combustible arena. The Israeli military even acknowledged that it struck Houthi targets. This action is seen as a clear retaliatory step in response to the recent missile launch. Following the strikes, the Houthis claimed that the Israeli assault had wounded 21 people. They characterized this attack as a continuation of a broader “US-Israeli aggression.”
In fact, the Houthis have overtly announced their intent on all of these new changes. They claim that the United States and Israel share responsibility for the escalating violence. They even vowed to deploy “a massive aerial blockade” against Israel, promising to destroy other airports in addition. This most recent move underscores the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militias operating in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the country’s resolve, stating, “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future.” His statements serve to illustrate Israel’s unwavering resolve to protect itself from real and imminent threats posed not just by the Houthis but other militant entities.
In a rare concession, a U.S. defense official rebuffed claims that the recent Israeli strikes on Yemen were supported by the Americans. They clarified that U.S. forces “did not participate in the Israeli strikes on Yemen today,” distancing Washington from direct military actions that have unfolded.
Iran’s reaction to the crisis was deeply misguided. They claimed that the Houthis took an “uncoordinated decision” to launch the missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport. The Iranian government has a track record of deepening its support for the Houthi anti-government movement, supplying it with cash and arms.
The United States has a tenuous relationship with the Houthis. Both President Biden and Trump before him have ordered airstrikes against Houthi positions. These moves are part of a broader campaign by the U.S. to counter Iranian influence in Yemen.
Beyond military maneuvers though, Israel has further drawn attention to its strategic operations. The Israel Defense Forces stated that their strikes were “conducted precisely, with measures taken to mitigate harm to vessels docked at the port.” This claim serves to draw attention to the purported value Israel places on collateral damage reduction in its operations.
As tensions escalate between Israel and the Houthis, the situation is dynamic and unpredictable. Both sides seem firmly dug into their trenches, foreshadowing an arduous road to diplomatic solutions in the region.
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