Yemeni Houthis, Iraqi Resistance Team up to Target Northern Israel with Drones

The Yemeni Houthis, in collaboration with the Iraqi Islamic Resistance, launched three strikes deep within Israeli territory, marking the first time they targeted northern part of the country since the start of their retaliatory operations in support of Palestine.

Houthi spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Sare'e was reported by the group-aligned Al Masirah to have stated that three operations using armed drones were carried out deep within Israel, with two targeting northern Israel and one in the south. This marked the first-ever strike on northern Israel since the Al-Aqsa Flood operations began.

The coordinated strikes, carried out after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, aimed to disrupt Israel's military capabilities and weaken its defenses. “With the return of joint operations between the Yemeni Armed Forces and the Iraqi Islamic Resistance, it was clear to the enemy that resistance fronts would remain vigilant, delivering unexpected strikes and diversifying military tactics,” the report said. It added that isolating Gaza would remain an unattainable goal.

The Al Masirah report warned that “if resistance momentum increased in targeting northern Palestine, Israel would face another setback, following its recent blow from Hezbollah.” Continued missile strikes could leave Israel’s plans in disarray, displacing settlers and draining financial resources. This could push Netanyahu's government into a financial crisis, requiring extra budget allocations for ongoing political, security, and military challenges. The report also suggested that air defense systems would raise costs and worsen Israeli security failures, as they had proven ineffective against previous escalations and advanced missiles.

The Houthis’ latest operation not only affected northern Israel but also targeted the vital Israeli port of Eilat. They reportedly aimed to tighten the maritime blockade and disrupt Israel's access to the Red Sea. The group claimed to have neutralized strategic sites without interference from Israeli or Western air defense systems.

Eilat, located on Israel’s southern coast along the Red Sea, connects the country to Asia and the Indian Ocean without passing through the Suez Canal. While smaller than Ashdod and Haifa, the port mainly handles bulk cargo, potash, car imports, and some containers. Houthi attacks have disrupted Israeli trade, diverting hundreds of container vessels weekly on a 4,000-mile longer route around Africa to Europe, increasing fuel costs and emissions. In July, Eilat reportedly declared bankruptcy after eight months of halted commercial activity and ceased receiving ships and containers, impacting imports essential for Israel’s economy and industrial sector.