Houthi Claims Attack on Tel Aviv

On Thursday, Houthis, the Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen, asserted they launched a “barrage of ballistic missiles” targeting Tel Aviv, Israel.

According to General Yahya Salih, the Houthi military spokesperson, “The operation was carried out jointly with Iran’s Mujahideen brothers and Lebanon’s Hezbollah and successfully achieved its objectives.” It’s interesting, though, that they often claim success in their operations, even when interceptions occur.

Salih continued, expressing gratitude toward fighters from Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and Palestine who, as he described, courageously defend against Western Zionist efforts aimed at various nations.

However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported a different story—indicating that only one missile was launched from Yemen that day, aimed towards Jerusalem instead of Tel Aviv, and it was successfully intercepted.

Furthermore, that missile was believed to have originated from Iran. Hezbollah also reportedly launched a missile towards Israel on the same day, lending some credence to Salih’s assertion about collaboration.

Since Wednesday morning, the IDF noted that around 30 missiles entered Israeli airspace from Iran, including three utilizing cluster bombs, which are notoriously difficult to neutralize. It appears Iran has taken to using these munitions more frequently of late.

The Houthis, reiterating their claims of coordination, similarly launched ballistic missiles over the weekend, also citing their partnership with Iran and Hezbollah.

Insights from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) pointed out that, despite Salih’s aggressive statements, the Houthis are adopting a restrained stance regarding Iran, likely to avoid any significant backlash on the international stage.

They noted, “An attack on Israel is the most conservative and least risky option for the Houthis to enter the war,” suggesting that while it represents a symbolic involvement, it minimizes the chances of provoking Gulf states and the U.S.

The Houthis seem hesitant to resume their past activities related to piracy or terrorism in the Red Sea, likely due to the economic repercussions that could arise from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Recently, Yemeni rebels cautioned they might ramp up their involvement in the conflict if the U.S. or Israel were to use the Red Sea as a strategic point against Iran, still hinting that such tactics to obstruct the Bab el-Mandeb strait remain “within our options.” Yet, they appear reluctant to act on that instinct, likely concerned about angering Saudi Arabia, with whom they’ve established an economic connection over recent years.

Interestingly, reports have emerged suggesting that the Houthis only began firing missiles at Israel due to delayed salary payments from Saudi Arabia, which hints at their financial motivations. There’s also apprehension about inciting a new wave of U.S. attacks, recalling the extensive damage inflicted along Yemen’s coast in the past few years.