The Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a missile into Israel’s northern port city of Haifa on Wednesday, a dramatic escalation in the conflict. This missile strike, the first confirmed sighting of a Houthi missile in northern Israel, is the culmination of months of heightened tensions.

As the Houthis push on with their campaign, not only against regional nations but also international trade, the US has intensified its military campaigns against the rebels, especially since they began attacking ships in the Red Sea and escalating threats against Israel.

Houthi Missile Strike: A Change of the Game

The Houthis’ attack on Haifa is the first time they have been able to strike Israel’s northern port. Israeli defense systems intercepted the missile successfully, but the attack marked the Houthis’ increasing ability to strike far-off targets.

The Houthi spokesperson said they had used a hypersonic missile, another level of sophistication added to their capability. Though previous hypersonic technology claims have remained unsubstantiated, the missile attack represents a major turning point in the war, demonstrating the Houthis’ widening presence.

US Escalation: Why Target the Houthis?

The US has increasingly focused its attacks on the Houthis for attacking Red Sea commercial shipping and posing a constant threat to Israel. The Houthis’ capacity to target both regional and global players, including Israel, has seen them become a prime target for the US military.

A recent assessment found that President Donald Trump’s administration had initiated a more aggressive campaign against the Houthis than the preceding Biden administration. The US wants to contain the Houthis’ influence on crucial shipping lanes and stop further disruptions to international trade.

Attacks on Global Trade: Strain on the Red Sea

Houthis’ attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have imperiled a critical trade route employed by the world. As about $1 trillion worth of cargo is being transported through this waterway every year, the ongoing Houthis’ attacks are creating enormous economic upheaval.

During late 2023 and early 2024, the Houthis made more than 100 attacks on merchant ships. These included missile and drone strikes that sank two ships and killed several sailors. Their actions in the region reflect a growing use of asymmetric warfare tactics aimed at gaining leverage in the ongoing Yemen conflict.

Deadly US Strikes: The Cost of Combat

The US reaction to the Houthis has been forceful, especially following a lethal attack on the Ras Isa fuel port in Yemen that killed a minimum of 74 individuals and injured 171 others. The attack was one of the deadliest attacks during the conflict. The US military has continued its campaign with airstrikes against Houthi infrastructure and military equipment.

Even with such a costly burden, these bombings continue to take no indication that they will decelerate anytime soon. In Yemen, there is a lingering uncertainty, and the stakes only grow higher for both the world and the Houthis.

What’s at Stake?

The cycle of violence among the Houthis, Israel, and the US does not appear to ease. With the Houthis advancing their missile program, their menace to Israel and crucial trade lines in the Red Sea becomes even more powerful.

Meanwhile, the US’s heightened war against the group may escalate even more, producing greater regional unrest. The intertwining of regional strife and worldwide trade disruptions creates a great threat to international peace and security.