The conflict between Israel and Gaza has widened with a declaration of war against the Israelis from the Houthi movement in Yemen.

Considering the fragile state of that country – it exists in a condition of civil war in which the Houthis are just one of several participants, with others including a coalition of Muslim states led by Saudi Arabia and backed by the US, UK and France – this decision seems to be another act of lunacy.

Yemen is the poorest of the Muslim states. The ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. It ranks highest on the Fragile State Index and second-worst on the Global Hunger Index, and has the lowest Human Development Index out of all non-African countries.

Still, Reuters tells us this:

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised statement the group had launched a “large number” of ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel, and there would be more such attacks to come “to help the Palestinians to victory”.

Saree said it was the Houthis’ third attack on Israel since the start of the conflict, appearing to confirm they were behind a drone attack on Oct. 28 that resulted in blasts in Egypt and was blamed by Israel on the Houthis, and an Oct. 19 incident in which the U.S. navy intercepted three cruise missiles.

Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said the Houthi attacks were intolerable, but declined to elaborate when asked how Israel might respond.

So it seems Israel intends to retaliate – but is that wise?

The strongest military power in the Middle East would be attacking the weakest country there; the optics (as they’re described) would be appalling.

And Yemen is part of a so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ backed by Iran – so Israel attacking that country could expand what is currently a very limited confrontation to engulf the whole of the Middle East.

Let’s remember also that Saudi Arabia, after enjoying around a year of relative peace with Yemen, has recently re-opened diplomatic ties with Iran; with Yemen launching missiles over its territory, hostilities may be renewed and that country may end up being dragged into conflict with both the Houthis and their backer.

Benjamin Netanyahu had better be very careful. If he makes the wrong decision now, he could set the whole of the Middle East alight.

Source: Yemen’s Houthis enter Mideast fray, hardening spillover fears | Reuters

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