In a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Yemeni Houthi movement announced on June 15, 2025, that it has launched several ballistic missiles targeting the Jaffa area in Israel. This operation, described by the group as coordinated with Tehran, marks the Houthis’ entry into the fray, potentially broadening the scope of the confrontation and suggesting the formation of a multi-front alliance against Israel.
Details of the Houthi Missile Attack
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for Ansar Allah, stated in a televised announcement that the missile strike occurred within the preceding 24 hours and aimed at what he termed “sensitive sites” in Jaffa. Saree emphasized that this operation was carried out in conjunction with recent Iranian military actions directed against Israel.
Israeli Response and Further Escalation
In response, Israeli media outlets reported that the Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike in Yemen targeting Mohammed Abdul Karim al-Ghamari, the chief of staff of the Houthi group. According to intelligence sources cited by the TV channel “Kan” and the website “Axios,” if this operation proves successful, it would represent a significant development in the conflict.
However, a representative from the Houthi group refuted claims of any successful targeting of their leaders, branding these reports as attempts to obscure Israel’s shortcomings in countering attacks.
“We will engage in an open and long-term war against Tel Aviv,” asserted Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of Ansar Allah, expressing unwavering support for Iran’s retaliatory measures against Israel.
In a speech broadcast by Al-Masirah TV, Al-Houthi declared that Yemen would actively participate in any critical battle undertaken by the “axis of resistance.”
Meanwhile, reports from Fars News Agency revealed that Iran deployed advanced missiles, including the “Emad,” “Qader,” and “Khyber” models, in its recent strikes, which also involved the use of hypersonic missile technology. These attacks reportedly caused substantial damage to significant Israeli infrastructure, including a major research center, as indicated by The New York Times, which reported a fire outbreak in one of the facility’s laboratory buildings. Additionally, the Weizmann Scientific Institute in Rehovot suffered severe damage from a rocket strike.
As the Houthis formally engage in this escalating conflict, the dynamics have shifted beyond the bilateral tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv, evolving into a broader regional confrontation. Without indications of a forthcoming resolution, the situation suggests that the Middle East could be on the brink of a prolonged and transformative conflict.