Houthis enter Middle East war, launch missile toward Israel

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have officially entered the ongoing Middle East conflict, launching a ballistic missile toward Israel on Saturday, raising fresh concerns over regional stability and global economic disruption.

The development marks a significant escalation, as the Iran-aligned group joins Tehran in its confrontation with Israel and the United States. Analysts warn the move could further threaten key global shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea, amid already strained oil and gas supplies.

In a video statement, a Houthi spokesperson confirmed the missile launch, saying it targeted Israeli military bases. Earlier, the Israeli military reported detecting a missile fired from Yemen and said its air defence systems were activated to intercept the threat. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, with the missile believed to have been successfully intercepted.

The conflict, now entering its second month, began after coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes have since triggered widespread unrest across the region and sent global energy prices soaring.

The Houthis had previously attacked vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during the Gaza conflict, citing support for Palestinians. However, until now, they had not directly participated in the broader war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The Red Sea has become increasingly strategic in the crisis. Saudi Arabia has redirected a significant portion of its oil exports through the Red Sea port of Yanbu to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran claims to have restricted for vessels linked to hostile nations.