Washington rules out Iran and its proxies’ involvement in expanding the war
The Houthi group announces the launch of a set of ballistic missiles at various targets in Israel, including military sites in the city of Eilat
Special U.S. envoy for Middle East humanitarian affairs, David Satterfield, on Thursday ruled out Iran or its proxies’ involvement in the region in expanding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel holds Tehran responsible for supporting the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement in executing its surprise attack.
Satterfield added, “It is essential that Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah refrain from provocative actions. Firing exchanges with Hezbollah along the Israeli-Lebanese border increase the likelihood of misjudgments.”
He stated in an online press conference with journalists, “We do not believe that conflict between Lebanon and Israel is inevitable under any circumstances… The reality here and now is that there is no indication from any side of an intent to preempt a conflict or war.”
In a related context, the military spokesperson for the Houthi group confirmed today that the group launched a series of ballistic missiles at various targets in Israel, including military locations in the city of Eilat.
The spokesperson continued, “The Yemeni armed forces continue their military operations to support the plight of the Palestinian people until the Israeli aggression against our brothers in Gaza stops.”
The Israeli army announced in a brief statement, “A missile was launched from Yemen towards Israel, successfully intercepted by the air defense through the Iron Dome missile defense system for long-range missile interception.”
Earlier on Thursday, a drone caused an explosion inside a schoolyard in Eilat, an incident Israeli authorities did not disclose for causing any human casualties. Security sources suggested that the Houthis in Yemen “may have launched the drone towards the city of Eilat.”
The Houthi group has repeatedly claimed responsibility for launching drones and missiles at targets inside Israel in response to the continued targeting of Gaza residents.
Since the implementation of Operation Guardian of the Walls, Israeli officials accuse Hamas of waging a war against the state of Israel on behalf of Iran, alleging that Tehran funds the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement with weapons.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said in a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday that Tehran “supports Hamas and other factions targeting Israel,” stating that the Israeli state faces multiple attacks carried out by the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen.
