Israel’s first two F-35 stealth fighter jets on their maiden flight as part of the Israeli Air Force on December 13, 2016. (Israel Defense Forces)
On November 2, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released videos showing the interception of missiles recently launched from Yemen by the Houthis (Ansar Allah).
A cruise missile that was heading towards Israeli airspace was intercepted by an F-35I “Adir” fighter jet, the IDF said in a statement, adding that a second “surface-to-surface” missile was intercepted by the Arrow anti-missile system over the Red Sea.
Both missiles were intercepted on October 31. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it was carried out in support of the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Later, the group released video footage showing the launch of several Zulfiqar ballistic missiles, Quds cruise missiles and Samad-3 suicide drones from Yemen at targets in Israel .
Following the Houthi attack, the IDF bolstered its air defenses in the Red Sea by deploying at least two Sa’ar 5-class corvettes.
The Houthis announced another drone attack against Israel on November 1. No impacts or interceptions were reported, however.
These were not the first attacks by the Houthis against Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. On October 19, the group launched a large-scale attack with missiles and drones. However, they were all intercepted by United States and Saudi Arabia. Another attack was carried out on October 27 with the IDF intercepting targets over Egyptian territory.
The Houthis control much of Yemen, including a long strip of the Red Sea coast and the capital Sanaa, and maintain a large arsenal of missiles and drones.
The group’s officials threatened to attack Israel on several occasions following the October 7 Palestinian surprise attack which provoked an unprecedented Israeli attack on Gaza.
Israeli officials are reportedly considering a response to recent attacks by the Houthis. However, this would only lead to more escalation.
