What's happened
Tensions escalate as Israel retaliates against Houthi missile strikes on Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. halts attacks on Houthis, leaving Israel to confront the group alone. Experts debate the implications of this shift in U.S. policy amid ongoing regional instability.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- U.S. Policy Shift: President Trump's decision to halt U.S. attacks on the Houthis has left Israel vulnerable, as noted by Danny Citrinowicz from the Institute for National Security Studies. This move signals a prioritization of U.S. interests over Israeli security.
- Houthi Resilience: The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks on Israel, suggesting that the ceasefire with the U.S. may allow them to regroup and escalate their operations against Israel and its allies.
- Military Costs: The U.S. military's recent operations have resulted in significant losses, including drones and fighter jets, raising questions about the effectiveness of the campaign against the Houthis.
- Regional Implications: The ongoing conflict highlights the Houthis' role as a key player in Iran's regional strategy, with their attacks on Israel serving as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This dynamic complicates the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Trump's announcement has left Israel to confront the Houthis alone, emphasizing the disconnect between U.S. and Israeli interests. Meanwhile, The Independent highlights the immediate consequences of Houthi missile strikes on Ben Gurion Airport, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. The South China Morning Post and AP News provide details on the Israeli airstrikes in Yemen, illustrating the ongoing cycle of retaliation. Contrastingly, The New Arab notes the Houthis' claims of independence in their actions, framing their strikes as solidarity with Gaza, which adds another layer to the conflict's complexity.
How we got here
The conflict intensified following a missile strike by the Houthis on Israel's main airport, prompting Israeli airstrikes in Yemen. The U.S. has been involved in military actions against the Houthis since early 2024, but recent developments indicate a shift in strategy.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the U.S. halting attacks?
- How has Israel responded to the Houthi missile strikes?
- What role does Iran play in this conflict?
Common question
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What Led to Israel's Recent Airstrikes in Yemen?
On May 6, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. This military action follows a Houthi missile strike on Israel's main airport, raising questions about the implications for both regional stability and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex situation.
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What Sparked the Recent Clashes Between Israel and the Houthis?
The recent escalation in the Israel-Houthi conflict has raised numerous questions about its origins and implications. As tensions rise, understanding the factors that led to these clashes is crucial for grasping the broader regional dynamics at play.
More on these topics
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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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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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Sanaa, also spelled SanaŹ½a or Sana, is the largest city in Yemen and the centre of Sanaa Governorate. The city is not part of the Governorate, but forms the separate administrative district of "Amanat Al-Asemah".
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Ben Gurion Airport, commonly known by its Hebrew acronym as Natbag, is the main international airport of Israel and the busiest airport in the country, located on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, which is about 45 km northwest of Jerusalem and 2
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has