Israel Attacks Yemen After Missile Launches; Raises Fears of Wider Conflict

Israel has launched aerial attacks on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in response to missile launches from Houthi forces towards Israeli territory. Initial investigations by the Israeli Air Force suggest that the missile fired on Friday contained a cluster warhead, marking the first instance of Houthi rebels employing this type of weapon against Israel in the ongoing conflict. Since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Houthi rebels have consistently targeted Israel with missiles and drones, claiming to support Palestinians. While most of these attacks have been intercepted, they have triggered retaliatory airstrikes by Israel on Houthi bases in Yemen. The recent attacks prompt speculation about broader regional conflict, potentially involving Iran, as Israel seeks to counter international recognition of Palestine.