What's happened
Over recent days, Iran-backed Houthis launched multiple drone and missile attacks against Israel, primarily targeting Eilat. Israeli defenses intercepted all threats, but the attacks have heightened tensions. The Houthis have increased attacks since October 2023, with Israel responding with strikes in Yemen. No injuries or damage have been reported so far.
What's behind the headline?
The recent drone and missile attacks by the Houthis underscore Iran’s expanding regional influence and its use of proxy groups to challenge Israel. The interception of all threats indicates Israel’s improved missile defense, but the persistent attacks threaten to escalate regional tensions. The Houthis’ targeting of Eilat, a key resort city, and the escalation in Yemen suggest Iran’s strategic aim to destabilize Israel and support its regional allies. Israel’s military responses, including strikes in Yemen, are likely to continue, potentially leading to a broader regional conflict. The attacks also reflect Iran’s broader strategy of asymmetric warfare, leveraging proxy groups to extend its influence without direct confrontation.
What the papers say
The articles from the Times of Israel and NY Post provide detailed accounts of recent drone and missile attacks, highlighting the escalation since October 2023. The Times of Israel emphasizes the interception efforts and security measures in Eilat, while the NY Post details the broader pattern of attacks and Israel’s military responses. Both sources agree on the increasing frequency and severity of Houthi attacks, with the NY Post noting the recent interception of drones near Egypt and the ongoing strikes in Yemen. The coverage underscores the complexity of the conflict, involving Iran-backed groups and regional security dynamics, and illustrates Israel’s defensive adaptations amidst ongoing threats.
How we got here
Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthi group has escalated attacks on Israel, including ballistic missiles and drones, claiming support for Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The group’s attacks intensified after the October 7 Hamas assault, leading Israel to strike Houthi targets in Yemen. The Houthis have fired over 130 missiles and 150 drones at Israel, prompting frequent military responses and increased security measures in southern Israel.
Go deeper
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Eilat, or Umm Al-Rashrash sometimes in Arabic, is Israel's southernmost city with a population of 51,935, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea, on what is known in Israel as the Gulf of Eilat and in Jordan as the Gulf of Aqaba
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Israeli Air Force operates as the aerial warfare branch of the Israel Defense Forces. It was founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence. As of August 2017 Aluf Amikam Norkin serves as the Air Force Commander.