Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their missile attacks on Israel, launching three ballistic missiles in the past four days alone. While all missiles were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, the increased tempo marks a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The latest strikes come despite several factors that might have otherwise de-escalated tensions: a Houthi ceasefire with the United States, ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations over a possible nuclear deal, and recent Israeli retaliatory strikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port and Sanaa airport. The Houthis claim their renewed attacks are a response to Israel’s latest offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which resumed in March.
The Houthis had previously held fire during a temporary Gaza ceasefire earlier this year. By that time, they had already fired over 40 ballistic missiles and dozens of attack drones at Israel, including a missile that killed a civilian and injured several others in Tel Aviv in July. That attack prompted Israel’s first strike inside Yemen.
Since March 18, the Houthis have launched 39 ballistic missiles and at least 10 drones toward Israel. Some of these projectiles have fallen short, failing to reach Israeli territory.
It remains unclear how long the Houthis can sustain this level of attack. Their supply lines for replacement missiles have likely been damaged by Israeli and earlier U.S. strikes. It is also uncertain whether Israel will escalate its response or continue focusing on Gaza.
Both President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have consistently blamed Iran for the Houthi attacks, calling them an extension of Tehran’s proxy war against Israel. While Israel could cite these ongoing attacks as justification for a direct strike on Iran, doing so could disrupt the fragile U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts, which remain stalled as Iran refuses to end uranium enrichment.
