Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

In a significant escalation of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting Israel. The attacks mark the first reported instance of the Houthis directly engaging Israel, further involving their main sponsor, Iran, and heightening the risk of a regional conflict.

Israeli Defense System and Houthi Attacks
Just a few weeks ago, the Houthis were suspected of launching an attack on Israel, which led to the interception of their projectiles by the U.S. Navy. However, on Tuesday, Israel reported that its own fighter jets and the Arrow missile defense system successfully shot down two salvos of incoming fire as they approached the strategic Red Sea shipping port of Eilat. The Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, later claimed three attacks on Israel in a televised statement, without specifying the exact timeframe or whether Tuesday’s salvos represented one or two separate attacks.

Rare In-Combat Use of the Arrow Missile Defense System
The utilization of the Arrow missile defense system by Israel during the attacks was a notable development. This system intercepts long-range ballistic missiles, destroying them while they are in space. The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies highlights the rarity of its reported in-combat use. Fortunately, Israel confirmed that no infiltrations into its territory occurred, although the missile fire triggered air raid sirens in Eilat, prompting residents to seek shelter.

Potential Consequences and Concerns
The specific weapons employed by the Houthis in their attacks have not been identified, but the use of the Arrow missile defense system suggests the involvement of ballistic missiles. The Houthis possess a variant of the Burkan ballistic missile, modeled after an Iranian missile, which is believed to have a range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) capable of reaching near Eilat. These developments come as the U.S. Navy’s USS Bataan and other elements of its strike group are likely present in the Red Sea.

Officials from the United States and Saudi Arabia, both key actors in the region, expressed concern over the situation. The attacks further draw Iran into the conflict, as they have long supported the Houthis and other militant groups. The involvement of Iranian-allied militias in targeting U.S. troops in neighboring countries has intensified concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict. Saudi Arabia, while trying to negotiate a peace deal with the Houthis, has seen recent clashes resulting in casualties among its soldiers.

The recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Israel have escalated tensions in the region, with Iran becoming more directly involved. The use of the Arrow missile defense system by Israel highlights the seriousness of the situation. As the conflict continues to unfold, it is crucial to monitor developments closely to prevent a broader regional conflict and safeguard peace in the region.