Yemeni Houthis have fully entered into the war between Israel and Hamas, which is being fought more than 1,600 kilometers from Sanaa, with drone and missile attacks on Israel, highlighting the regional risks of the conflict.

Houthis who are part of Iran-backed “axis of resistance”joined the Palestinians after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, opening a new front for the movement, which has been fighting an eight-year war with the Saudi-led coalition in the Persian Gulf.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sari said in a televised statement that the group had launched “large number” of ballistic missiles and aircraft drones towards Israel and that there will be more attacks in the future “to help the Palestinians achieve victory.”

The statement confirmed the widening scope of the conflict, which is troubling states including Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, and raising fears that it could spread. How Israel is trying to destroy Hamas in its stronghold in the Gaza Strip.

Sari said this was the third Houthi attack on Israel since the conflict began, seemingly confirming they were behind the Oct. 28 drone attack that caused explosions in Egypt and which Israel attributed to the Yemeni group, and the October 19 incident in which the US Navy intercepted three cruise missiles.

Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said Houthi attacks will not be tolerated but declined to elaborate when asked how Israel would respond.

Reuters