JERUSALEM, Mar 28 (V7N) – The conflict in the Middle East expanded to a new front early Saturday morning as Yemen’s Houthi rebels officially entered the war, launching a barrage of ballistic missiles at southern Israel. The move marks the first time the group has directly targeted Israeli territory since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on February 28.

The Attack and Interception

The Israeli military confirmed that its aerial defense systems—likely the Arrow-3 or David’s Sling—successfully intercepted at least one high-altitude missile fired from the direction of the Red Sea.

  • Impact Zone: Air raid sirens were activated across large swaths of southern Israel, including the city of Beersheba and areas surrounding the Dimona nuclear research center.

  • Casualties: Thousands of residents rushed to bomb shelters, but no injuries or significant damage were reported within Israel from this specific launch.

  • Visuals: Residents in the West Bank city of Hebron reported seeing missile trails and hearing loud mid-air explosions as the interception occurred.

Houthi Declaration: "Fingers on the Trigger"

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthis (Ansar Allah), issued a televised statement on the rebels' Al-Masirah network claiming responsibility for the strike.

  • Strategic Intent: Saree stated the missiles targeted "sensitive military objectives" in southern Israel and were launched "in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran" and the "Axis of Resistance" in Lebanon and Iraq.

  • Ultimatum: The Houthis warned that their operations would continue and escalate if the Red Sea is used as a staging ground for attacks against Iran or if "new alliances" join the U.S.-led coalition.

  • End of Neutrality: Previously, the Houthis had stayed out of the month-long conflict to preserve a fragile ceasefire with Saudi Arabia. Their entry significantly complicates maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Regional Escalation into the Second Month

The Houthi intervention comes as the war enters its second month with unprecedented intensity:

  • Tel Aviv Hit: Overnight, separate missile barrages from Iran and Hezbollah struck Tel Aviv, killing one civilian and injuring several others.

  • U.S. Casualties: At least 12 to 15 U.S. soldiers were wounded Friday in a major drone and missile attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

  • Nuclear Facilities Struck: Israel confirmed it hit two major Iranian nuclear-related sites on Friday—the Khondab Heavy Water Plant and the Yazd Yellowcake Production Plant—describing the strikes as a "major blow" to Tehran's capabilities.

Diplomatic Efforts in Pakistan

Amidst the escalating violence, a glimmer of diplomatic activity has emerged. Pakistan is set to host an emergency summit in Islamabad on Sunday, with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt expected to attend. The "Islamabad Dialogue" aims to mediate between Washington and Tehran to prevent a total regional collapse, following a 15-point peace proposal recently presented by the Trump administration.

END/SMA/AJ