For years, the Houthis were an overlooked threat to Israel, despite being an Iranian-backed militia controlling much of northern Yemen, over a thousand miles away. Recent missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory have heightened concerns, with analysts noting Israel's struggle to respond effectively due to a lack of precise intelligence on Houthi leadership and weaponry.
In solidarity with Hamas, the Houthis have escalated their campaign against Israel, launching nightly ballistic missile strikes over the past week. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Yemeni infrastructure, including the international airport in Sana.
Despite Israel's military responses, Houthi attacks have continued, including missile fire toward Tel Aviv that triggered air raid sirens and sent residents into bomb shelters. The Houthis have exhibited resilience against years of bombardment from a Saudi-led coalition and other international forces.
Zohar Palti, a former Israeli intelligence director, acknowledged Israel's lack of focus on Yemen due to competing security issues, including Iran's nuclear program and threats from Hamas and Hezbollah. He stated that while intelligence gathering on the Houthis may take time, it is unlikely to become a top priority.
The Houthis began targeting Israel following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, claiming to act in support of Palestinians. Initially perceived as a distant threat, the situation escalated when a Houthi drone struck an apartment building in Tel Aviv, resulting in casualties and prompting retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
As Israel's military engagements in the region appear to wind down, the Houthis have intensified their attacks, demanding an end to the war in Gaza. Recent strikes have caused damage to schools and playgrounds in Tel Aviv, prompting Israeli leaders to issue strong warnings against the militia.
Despite retaliatory measures, analysts argue that targeting Yemen's infrastructure is unlikely to deter Houthi aggression, as their leadership operates without concern for public consensus or international opinion. The Houthis have emerged as a significant player in the regional conflict, especially following the weakening of Hezbollah and Hamas.
Israeli officials now view the Houthi threat as a broader issue, with Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stating that it constitutes a "global problem." Coordination with U.S. forces has been crucial, particularly with American defenses aiding in intercepting attacks from Yemen.
As discussions continue regarding Israel's military objectives, analysts emphasize the complexity of the issue, noting that the conflict with the Houthis is part of a larger regional and international struggle.