Yemen’s Houthi forces claimed responsibility for launching drone and missile attacks on key Israeli targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa on September 2, 2025. The group said these strikes support Palestinians in Gaza and come right after Israeli airstrikes killed top Houthi leaders in Sana’a.
Houthi Forces Announce Bold Attacks
The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, made the announcement through their military spokesperson, Brigadier General Yahya Saree. In a televised speech, he detailed operations that targeted military and civilian sites in Israel.
Saree stated that the attacks used advanced drones and missiles to hit precise locations. This move marks a sharp rise in tensions between the Houthis and Israel.
The group has ramped up such actions since late 2023, tying them to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Their latest claims follow a pattern of escalating strikes over the past year.
Key Targets and Weapons Used
Houthis reported firing a Sammad-4 drone at the Israeli army’s General Staff headquarters in Tel Aviv. They also launched three more drone strikes on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, the Khadera power station near Haifa, and the Port of Ashdod.
In addition, the group targeted the container ship MSC ABY in the northern Red Sea. They described the ship as linked to Israel and hit it with a cruise missile and two drones.
These operations show the Houthis’ growing use of long-range technology. Drones like the Sammad-4 can travel over 1,000 kilometers, making them hard to detect.
Experts note that such weapons often come from Iranian designs, adapted for Houthi needs. This allows strikes far from Yemen’s borders.
Here is a quick list of the claimed targets:
- Israeli General Staff headquarters in Tel Aviv
- Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv
- Khadera power station near Haifa
- Port of Ashdod
- MSC ABY ship in the Red Sea
Background of Recent Escalation
The strikes follow Israeli airstrikes on Sana’a that killed the Houthi Prime Minister and nine senior ministers on August 30, 2025. That attack was one of the deadliest against the group in recent years.
Houthis vowed revenge and linked their actions to ending the Gaza siege. They have fired over 200 missiles and drones at Israel since October 2023, according to various reports.
On September 1, 2025, Houthis claimed a ballistic missile strike on the Israeli-owned tanker Scarlet Ray near Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port. The ship was unharmed and kept sailing.
This pattern ties into broader Middle East conflicts. Iran supports groups like the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas, creating a network of resistance against Israel.
Logical reasoning suggests these attacks aim to pressure Israel and draw attention to Gaza. However, they also risk pulling in other nations, like Saudi Arabia, which has faced Houthi fire in the past.
Israeli Response and Defenses
Israel’s military has not fully confirmed the latest strikes but reported intercepting some incoming threats. Sirens sounded in parts of Tel Aviv and Haifa, but no major damage was reported.
The Israeli Defense Forces use systems like Iron Dome to counter such attacks. Yet, some drones and missiles have slipped through in past incidents, causing minor injuries.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of strong retaliation after the Sana’a strikes. Israel has conducted several operations in Yemen since 2024, hitting Houthi ports and airfields.
Defense analysts say Israel’s responses focus on degrading Houthi capabilities without full invasion. This approach balances deterrence with avoiding wider war.
| Date | Houthi Action | Israeli Response | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 2024 | Drone strike on Tel Aviv | Airstrikes on Hodeidah port | One killed, several injured in Israel |
| September 15, 2024 | Hypersonic missile near Tel Aviv | Interception attempts | Five injuries reported |
| December 21, 2024 | Missile hits Tel Aviv | No immediate response detailed | Multiple houses damaged |
| August 30, 2025 | None (Israeli strike on Sana’a) | N/A | Houthi leaders killed |
| September 2, 2025 | Drone and missile strikes on Tel Aviv/Haifa | Interceptions reported | No confirmed damage |
Global Impact and Future Outlook
These events heighten risks in the Red Sea shipping lanes, where Houthis have attacked over 80 vessels since November 2023. Global trade faces delays and higher costs as ships reroute around Africa.
The United States and allies have formed coalitions to protect shipping, striking Houthi sites multiple times in 2024 and 2025. Yet, the group continues operations, showing resilience.
Analysts predict more clashes if Gaza fighting persists. Peace talks in the region remain stalled, with over 40,000 deaths reported in Gaza since October 2023.
This situation entertains no easy solutions but informs readers on the interconnected conflicts. Understanding these dynamics helps grasp why such attacks happen and what might stop them.
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