Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on Israel on March 28, 2026, targeting sensitive military sites in southern Israel. This incident marks the first missile attack by the Houthis since the onset of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Brigadier-General Yahya Saree announced the attack on Al Masirah satellite television, confirming the Houthis’ intent to intervene militarily if other countries joined the US and Israel against Iran. The Israeli military successfully intercepted one missile during the attack, but the event has raised concerns about the potential for a broader regional confrontation.
The Houthis have held Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014 and have previously engaged in aggressive actions, including attacking over 100 merchant vessels from November 2023 until January 2025. During this period, four sailors were killed, highlighting the risks posed by Houthi operations in the region.
On the same day as the missile attack, nine Israeli soldiers were wounded in two separate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon, further escalating tensions in the area. The Houthis have made it clear that they will not allow the Red Sea to be used for hostile operations against Iran, and they have threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb strait as part of their military strategy.
Mohammed Mansour, a Houthi official, stated, “We are conducting this battle in stages, and closing the Bab al-Mandeb strait is among our options.” This statement underscores the strategic importance of the strait, through which approximately 30 percent of Israel’s imports pass.
Analysts have warned that if the Houthis decide to shut down the Bab al-Mandeb strait, it could significantly impact international trade, as it would close two major choke points along with the Strait of Hormuz. Mohamad Elmasry noted, “If they decided to move to shut down Bab al-Mandeb strait, the Red Sea and, ultimately, the Suez Canal, then we would have two major choke points closed along with the Strait of Hormuz.”
As the situation develops, reactions from various stakeholders are expected. Nida Ibrahim commented, “We are expecting Israel to retaliate to this attack as we have seen them do time and again.” The Houthis’ involvement in this conflict raises the stakes for regional stability and could lead to further military engagements.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the attack and its implications for ongoing military operations in the region.
