Israel Escalates Strikes in Yemen to Expand Regional Reach

Israel has sharply escalated its air campaign in Yemen, targeting not only Houthi military positions but also key infrastructure in what analysts describe as a strategic bid to expand regional influence under the shield of US support.

In recent weeks, Israeli strikes have pounded Sanaa and surrounding areas, hitting airports, ports, power stations, and industrial facilities vital to Houthi governance. The latest raid on Thursday killed nine and injured 174, according to Houthi media sources.

Political analyst Abdullah Ismail argued the campaign signals a shift from deterrence to reordering the regional balance, emboldened by Israel’s perceived advances against Iran-aligned groups across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

Abdulaziz Al-Abara, head of media at the Mokha Center for Strategic Studies, said Israel’s tactics combine crippling maritime supply chains in Hodeidah and Ras Issa with targeted assassinations of senior Houthi leaders, exemplified by the late August strike that killed the group’s prime minister. 

However, he noted the Houthis’ ideological leadership remains intact, sustaining morale despite heavy losses.

Meanwhile, Houthi officials have vowed to escalate attacks on Israel, showcasing drone and missile capabilities extending up to 2,500 km. Large crowds rallied in Sanaa on Friday, denouncing Israel and the United States while declaring solidarity with Gaza.