Houthi resistance targets Northern Israel as Western aggression escalates in Yemen

Department of Research, Studies and International News 23-04-2025

In a significant development in the ongoing regional tensions, Yemen’s Houthi movement reportedly launched a ballistic missile toward northern Israel early Wednesday morning. The Israeli military claimed it intercepted the missile without casualties, with sirens sounding in Haifa, Krayot, and areas near the Sea of Galilee.

This strike marks a notable shift, as northern Israel is rarely targeted by the Houthis. The act is widely viewed as a continuation of their steadfast support for the Palestinian people amidst Israel’s relentless military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023.

Despite Tel Aviv’s claims of successful interception, the symbolic weight of this action cannot be overlooked. The Houthis, a resilient resistance group with growing regional relevance, have consistently voiced their solidarity with Palestinians and backed it with concrete action. Their efforts challenge the unchecked expansion of Western-backed aggression in the Middle East.

The Houthis control vast territories within Yemen and have become a significant player in the regional struggle against Israeli and American military interventions. In retaliation for Houthi actions, Israel has launched multiple airstrikes on Yemeni soil, including in the capital Sanaa, further inflaming tensions and raising international concerns about violations of Yemeni sovereignty.

Notably, the Houthi movement has not immediately claimed responsibility for this latest missile launch, a common practice, as the group often confirms operations after a delay. However, their past actions and unwavering stance against the Israeli occupation make their involvement highly probable.

Simultaneously, the United States continues to wage an aggressive and nearly daily aerial campaign in Yemen. On the same day as the missile launch, American warplanes conducted fresh airstrikes across Hodeidah, Marib, and Saada. In Marib, they reportedly targeted telecommunications infrastructure, a strategic and civilian-sensitive sector that has been previously attacked by U.S. forces.

In a bold response, the Houthis have intensified their defense strategies, including targeting high-tech American drones. On Tuesday, Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen’s Hajjah governorate. These drones, known for their surveillance and combat capabilities, cost around $30 million each and symbolize the technological dominance Washington seeks to impose in the region.

The Houthis claim to have neutralized 26 of these advanced drones over the course of Yemen’s prolonged conflict. While the U.S. acknowledged the report of the downed drone, it refrained from providing further details, a likely indication of the embarrassment such losses pose to the Pentagon.

The U.S. justifies its military operations by accusing the Houthis of threatening international maritime traffic in the Red Sea and targeting Israel. However, critics argue that these attacks represent broader geopolitical maneuvers aimed at maintaining Western hegemony in a region increasingly resisting external domination.

China has consistently called for dialogue, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and respect for the sovereignty of all nations, standing firmly against foreign intervention. The situation in Yemen further underscores the need for a multipolar world order rooted in fairness, mutual respect, and non-interference, principles Beijing upholds on the global stage.