Israel: The Iranian Government Supports and Directs Houthi Terrorist Activities

Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli army, warned the Iran-backed Houthi group after Israel's retaliatory attacks on Houthi positions in Yemen that Israel would not hesitate to defend itself and its citizens. Hagari referred to hundreds of missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on Israel over the past 14 months, stating that the Houthi missile attack on Wednesday night caused millions of Israelis to seek shelter. He noted that a Houthi drone attack on Israel in the past two weeks also damaged a residential area. The Israeli army spokesperson described the Houthi attacks as 'contrary to international law' and labeled the Iran-backed militia as 'a threat to peace and security in the region.' Regarding the attacks on Houthi positions, he said, 'Today, the Israeli army precisely targeted several military Houthi objectives in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sana'a, which the Houthis were using for their military activities.' Hagari reminded that Houthi attacks against 'other countries in the Middle East' and the United States have turned the group's actions against international shipping in the Red Sea into a 'global threat.' He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran 'finances, arms, and directs the terrorist activities of the Houthis.' He emphasized, 'As we have shown against other enemies on different fronts, we will continue operations against anyone who poses a threat to Israel in the Middle East and will defend Israeli citizens.' In this context, Israel Katz, Israel's defense minister, also warned Houthi leaders that 'Israel's long arm' reaches them. He stated in a message to the Iran-backed group, 'Anyone who raises a hand will have it cut off. Whoever strikes us will receive multiple blows.' Israel's attack on Houthi positions in Sana'a and Hodeidah came after the Israeli army announced that it intercepted a Houthi missile before it entered Israeli airspace. This ballistic missile, which Israeli defense forces stated was shot down outside of Israeli airspace by the long-range air defense system 'Pikkan,' did not cause any harm, although falling debris caused significant damage in the city of Ramat Gan. This was the second missile launched from Yemen this week, accompanied by a drone attack. These developments come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken referenced the rise of Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen during his speech at the 'Council on Foreign Relations' in New York on Wednesday, December 19, stating that their military capabilities have reached a level that they are openly utilizing. He expressed concern that this group, which claims its missile attacks are in support of Palestinians, may continue its aggressive actions even after the conflict in Gaza is resolved. The U.S. Secretary of State stated that the Houthis have established themselves on the global stage and may continue their actions. United Nations experts reported last autumn in a confidential report on the assistance of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Quds Force to Houthi militants in Yemen, transforming this local armed group into a powerful military organization.