Yemen Rebels Target Israel, Sparking Red Sea Shipping Disruption Fears

Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen launched their first missile attack on Israel since the Middle East conflict began a month ago. The strike raises concerns that the rebel group may resume targeting Red Sea shipping routes, potentially disrupting global trade and energy supplies.

CAIRO (AP) — Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen launched missiles targeting Israel over the weekend, marking their first strike since Middle East hostilities erupted a month ago and sparking worries about potential disruptions to critical Red Sea shipping lanes.

Yemen’s Houthi forces claimed they launched multiple missiles aimed at what they called “sensitive Israeli military sites” in Israel’s southern region. Israeli defense forces confirmed they successfully intercepted a projectile launched from Yemeni territory.

The Houthis represent a key component of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” a network that encompasses armed factions across Lebanon, Iraq and Palestinian areas. From their stronghold in Yemen’s capital Sanaa, they govern much of the nation’s northern territory and have waged civil war against the internationally backed government since 2014, facing opposition from a Saudi-led military alliance.

While other Iranian-allied groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iraqi militants have been active, Yemen’s Houthis remained on the sidelines for weeks following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.

Their entry into the conflict through Saturday’s missile launch has intensified fears they may resume maritime attacks in the Red Sea. Such actions could severely impact shipping and the worldwide economy, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz closure has already rattled markets and driven up energy costs. The group also possesses the ability to target Persian Gulf oil infrastructure, as demonstrated during Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict.

Houthi leadership declared they will not permit American and Israeli forces to utilize Red Sea waters for Iranian operations. “Our fingers are on the trigger,” declared Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, speaking for the Houthis’ military wing, in Friday remarks.

Maritime attacks by the Houthis would drive oil costs higher while undermining “all of maritime security,” according to Ahmed Nagi, who analyzes Yemen for the International Crisis Group. “The impact would not be limited to the energy market.”

Following the Strait of Hormuz shutdown, Saudi Arabia has been transporting millions of daily oil barrels through Bab el-Mandeb, located at the Arabian Peninsula’s southern point.

This 32-kilometer (20-mile) waterway ranks among the world’s most vital oil transit routes. Additionally, one-quarter of global container shipping passes through this strait en route to and from the Suez Canal. When Bab al-Mandab becomes impassable, shipping companies must redirect vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, as occurred in 2024 and 2025, dramatically raising transportation expenses.

Approximately 12% of worldwide commerce normally travels through Suez, encompassing petroleum, natural gas, grain and consumer goods ranging from toys to electronics.

“It would be devastating for so many countries,” Nagi explained. “If we see more pressure on the Iranians, or there’s any escalation, the Houthis will jump in harshly.”

Additional attacks would intensify energy supply challenges for the 27-member European Union, which depends on imported natural gas for industrial operations, power generation and residential heating. Ships transporting liquefied natural gas — supercooled for maritime transport rather than pipeline delivery — regularly traverse Red Sea waters.

Between November 2023 and January 2025, Houthis targeted more than 100 commercial ships using missiles and drones, destroying two vessels and causing four sailor deaths, while also firing projectiles toward Israel. They claimed these operations supported Hamas throughout the Gaza conflict.

American and Israeli forces responded with extensive airstrikes across Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory, resulting in numerous casualties including most of the Houthi-aligned government officials in Sanaa. President Donald Trump suspended U.S. military operations against the Houthis following an agreement that ended rebel attacks on Red Sea shipping.