Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, marking a sharp expansion of the Gaza war’s regional fallout.
The attack came in response to a missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels toward southern Israel. The Houthis, based in Yemen, have expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and have escalated their involvement by firing long-range missiles and drones. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they intercepted the missile before it reached populated areas, but warned of further retaliation.
This is the first time in months that Israeli forces have openly struck deep inside Yemen.
Regional analysts fear this could widen the conflict beyond Gaza, especially with tensions already high across Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Iran, a key supporter of both Hamas and the Houthis, condemned Israel’s strikes but has not directly intervened. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to defending Israeli airspace while also urging restraint to avoid a broader Middle East war.
Global leaders are calling for diplomatic efforts, but with new fronts emerging, a peaceful resolution seems increasingly difficult to achieve.
