Israel Retaliates Against Houthi Attack in Yemen

In the early hours of Thursday, Israel's military responded with deadly force to a missile and drone attack by the Houthi militant group. Nine people were killed and three injured when Israeli airstrikes hit a port and oil facility near Yemen's capital, Sanaa. The Houthis, backed by Iran, had launched multiple attacks on Israel over the past year, which were mainly intercepted. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Houthi leaders, saying, "Whoever harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold. " Tensions between Israel and the Houthis have been rising as Israel continues its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In July, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial center. Earlier in the day, central Israel heard sirens as the IDF intercepted a Yemen-launched missile, damaging a school but causing no injuries. The Houthis asserted their goal was to halt Israel's campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in over 45, 000 Palestinian deaths. They vow to continue attacks until a ceasefire is achieved. The United States, Israel's ally, has also conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. This action-reaction cycle underscores the escalating tensions in the region, raising concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East.