Tel Aviv/Beirut: Israel has intensified military actions against two Muslim countries—Lebanon and Yemen—shattering hopes of a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. Israel's rapid attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen have escalated tensions in the Middle East. After the two-month ceasefire in Gaza broke down in March 2025, Israel blamed Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis for regional instability, terming them a "terrorist alliance". Let us analyze this situation based on facts and latest developments.
Lebanon attacks: Bombing of Hezbollah targets
Israel further intensified attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, which began on 17 September 2024. The ceasefire agreement reached on 27 November 2024, which was based on UN Resolution 1701, was rejected by Israel, citing violations by Hezbollah.
Key events:
- 28 April 2025: The Israeli Air Force bombed a Hezbollah command center in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, killing 12 people. Israel claimed that the base was planning rocket attacks.
- 2 May 2025: Drone strikes on a Hezbollah weapons depot in Lebanon's Litani River region, killing 8 fighters.
- Casualties: According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 2,400 people have been killed since September 2024, including 1,800 civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Hezbollah broke the ceasefire. We will spare no effort in retaliation." Hezbollah fired 50 rockets at northern Israel in response, most of which were destroyed by the Iron Dome.
Yemen attacks: Lesson for Houthis
Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been carrying out missile and drone attacks on Israel in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war, were also targeted by Israel. The Houthis carried out more than 400 attacks on Israel in 2024-25, including hypersonic missiles.
Main attacks:
- April 27, 2025: Israel carried out airstrikes on Yemen's Hudaydah port, destroying Houthi missile launchers and oil depots. 10 killed, 25 injured.
- March 15, 2025: 5 fighters killed in an attack on Houthi bases in Sanaa. Israel claimed that these bases were planning to attack ships in the Red Sea.
- Impact: Houthi attacks hit 15% of global trade in the Red Sea, sending oil prices up 5%.
"Israeli attacks cannot stop us. We will continue to fight for our Palestinian brothers," Houthi spokesman Yahya Sari said. The Houthis responded with a drone attack on Israel's Nevatim Air Base, which was foiled.
Ceasefire hopes fade
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on January 15, 2025, which included the release of 33 hostages and the exchange of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, collapsed in March. Israel accused Hamas of breaking the ceasefire, while Hamas blamed Israel for blocking aid to Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 673 people were killed and 1,233 injured in the attacks that began on March 18. Overall, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war.
- Why did the ceasefire break?: Netanyahu said Hamas did not agree to the condition of complete release of hostages. Hamas claimed that Israel imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid in Gaza, which increased starvation.
- Global pressure: The United Nations and Egypt appealed for a ceasefire, but Israel rejected it.
Iran's influence and regional tensions
Hezbollah and Houthis, both Iran-backed groups, are uniting against Israel. Iran launched missile attacks on Israel after an Israeli attack on its embassy in Damascus on April 1, 2024. Experts believe that Israel's attack on these groups is a strategy to reduce Iran's influence in the region.
Experts' analysis
Experts say that Israel's aggressive policy is motivated by Netanyahu's domestic politics. Professor Shira Efron said, "Netanyahu is using the war to strengthen his right-wing coalition government." On the other hand, a ceasefire is necessary for regional stability, but the lack of trust between Israel and Iran-backed groups is making it difficult.
Conclusion
Israel's attack on Lebanon and Yemen and the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza are further destabilizing the Middle East. Israel's actions against Hezbollah and the Houthis are an attempt to reduce Iran's influence in the region, but this is deepening the humanitarian crisis. Will Israel be able to completely suppress these groups, or will this war spread further? Time and diplomacy will decide this.
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