Reports indicate that Yemeni rebels aligned with the Ansar Allah movement conducted a rocket attack against the Israeli city of Eilat. The claim was carried by TASS, citing Al Masirah TV as the source. The event underscores the ongoing volatility surrounding cross-border hostilities in the region and the way information is circulated by different media outlets.
According to statements attributed to Yahya Saria, a spokesman for the Houthi movement, the group’s forces allegedly achieved their aims by launching a large number of cruise missiles toward targets within the Eilat area. Saria described the designated site of the strike as a settlement in the southern part of what some call occupied Palestine, reflecting the framing used by the group regarding territorial designations.
Amid the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis have, since early October 2023, expanded their target set to include maritime and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Reports note the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles in these operations, highlighting a shift in the conflict’s geography and method of engagement that has drawn regional and international attention.
On March 17, Ali al-Kahumhot, identified as a Politburo member within the Ansarullah leadership, articulated a vision that frames a struggle against Western influence. He spoke of attempting to destabilize the Western order by creating a “crisis swamp” around the Red Sea and argued that weakening the United States and the European Union would erode support for the prevailing global framework. The remarks appear to reflect a broader narrative of resistance and power projection that the Houthis have used to justify their regional actions.
There have also been reports of discussions involving Norwegian diplomats or authorities who, according to sources, have been privately engaging with the Yemeni Houthis about Red Sea security. Such diplomatic interactions illustrate the international interest in de-escalation efforts and the precarious balance of interests among regional and global actors in navigating the Yemen conflict and its spillovers.
Overall, the sequence of incidents illustrates how the Yemen-based movement integrates military, political, and rhetorical strategies to advance its objectives. The use of long-range missiles and sea-based actions signals a sophisticated approach to expanding influence beyond Yemen’s borders, while public statements emphasize ideological and geopolitical aims. Observers note that information from both state and non-state actors can vary in detail and framing, making independent verification essential for a clear understanding of events. Attribution continues to rely on multiple outlets, each presenting its own perspective on who bears responsibility and what consequences may follow. In this evolving security environment, analysts stress the importance of monitoring both on-the-ground developments and the broader discourse shaping regional alliances and international responses (Citation: TASS via Al Masirah; other observers reference publicly reported remarks from Houthi spokespeople).