Israel faces major challenge from Houthi attacks

According to the Maariv article, the Houthi group has launched more than 200 ballistic missiles and 170 drones against Israeli targets since October 2023.

These attacks put heavy pressure on Israel's air defense system, especially the Iron Dome interceptor system and other defense systems.

One of the latest incidents occurred on the morning of December 21 when a Houthi ballistic missile hit the capital Tel Aviv, injuring 20 people. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Although many of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Israeli and US forces, the sheer volume and sophistication of the attacks put Israel's defenses under severe strain.

The article stressed that Israel's defense systems are facing major limitations. In particular, the "Arrow" missile defense system, considered Israel's main defense against ballistic missiles, failed four times in a row to intercept missiles, including three launched from Yemen and one from Lebanon.

The Houthi group also targeted Israeli or Tel Aviv-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea with missiles and drones.

The group said it would continue its attacks until Israel's campaign in Gaza ends.

Maariv’s article criticizes Israel’s military response and intelligence preparedness to the Houthi threat. The article argues that Israel is not prepared, either politically or intelligence-wise, to deal with attacks from Yemen.

It was only after missile and drone attacks from the Houthi group increased that the Israeli military and intelligence services began to respond.

However, Israel's military efforts, including airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, have been largely seen as more showy than effective.

Not only exerting military pressure, the Houthi group's attacks also cause significant damage to the regional economy, especially Israel.

Therefore, Israel needs to quickly improve its defense system and response strategy if it does not want to continue to suffer heavy losses due to the Houthi group's escalation.