Live updates: Iran war; Houthis enter conflict with missile strike against Israel

Iran war: Houthis fire missile at Israel as Tehran expands conflict

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

Yemen’s Houthi movement launched a missile at Israel, entering the Iran-Israel conflict that escalated after Tehran attacked Israeli territory.

Iranian-backed Houthis said they fired a missile at Israel, marking the group’s first direct strike in the conflict between Tehran and Israel.

The Houthis entered the war after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday. Israel has vowed to respond to that attack.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group used a “large number” of missiles and drones against Israel. He said the attack would continue until Israel stops its war in Gaza.

The Israeli military said it intercepted the Houthi missile. Air raid sirens sounded in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city.

Israeli officials said no casualties were reported from the Houthi attack. The military said it tracked the missile throughout its flight path.

U.S. officials confirmed the Houthis fired at Israel. The Pentagon said it would work with allies to defend against further attacks.

The Houthis control much of Yemen after years of civil war. They have previously targeted ships in the Red Sea they say are linked to Israel.

The group has fired missiles at Israel before but none had reached Israeli territory. Most fell short or were intercepted by Saudi Arabia.

Regional analysts warned the Houthi attack could widen the conflict. They said Iran’s network of proxy groups poses a threat across the Middle East.

Israeli defense officials said the military is prepared for attacks from multiple fronts. They said air defense systems have been bolstered nationwide.

The conflict began when Iran attacked Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria. That attack killed 7 Iranian military officers.

Israel has not yet responded to Iran’s weekend attack. U.S. President Joe Biden urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise restraint.

Background

The Houthis, officially called Ansar Allah, took control of Yemen’s capital Sanaa in 2014. They have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015.

Iran provides weapons and training to the Houthis, according to U.S. and Saudi officials. The group has fired hundreds of missiles at Saudi Arabia during Yemen’s civil war.

Israel and the Houthis have no direct border. Yemen sits 1,600 kilometers south of Israel across the Red Sea.

The group has fired missiles at Israel during previous Gaza conflicts. Most were shot down by Saudi Arabia or fell into the Red Sea.

What’s Next

Israeli officials said they are considering their response to Iran’s attack. They said all options remain on the table.

The Israeli military said it is prepared for attacks from Iran’s proxies across the region. They said air defenses are on high alert.

U.S. officials said they expect more attacks from Iranian-backed groups. They said American forces in the region stand ready to help defend Israel.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on the Middle East crisis. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged restraint from all parties.

Israel expanded its military operations after Hamas attacked on October 7. The war has killed over 33,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

The conflict risks drawing in more regional players. Analysts warned Hezbollah in Lebanon could also escalate attacks on Israel.