In a steadfast display of solidarity with the Palestinian people, regional resistance forces, including the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militias in Iraq, have escalated their attacks on Israel and US bases. The coordinated efforts come in response to the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza, with various groups aiming to halt what they perceive as an unjust assault on the Palestinian territory.
On December 6, the Ansar Allah (Houthi)-backed government in Yemen announced that it had launched missiles targeting Israel’s southern Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) city, vowing to persist in its operations until the Israeli offensive in Gaza ceases. Despite the activation of sirens in Eilat, the Israeli military reportedly intercepted the missile using its Arrow air defense system.
The Houthi-backed government claims to have conducted 11 military operations against Israel, including the seizure of an Israeli ship and attacks on two others in the Red Sea. Yemeni armed forces emphasized their commitment to continue targeting Israeli interests, declaring the Red Sea off-limits for Israeli ships.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance force, also claimed responsibility for firing rockets into northern Israel as a response to Israeli artillery and tank fire targeting residential buildings in southern Lebanon. The ongoing clashes have forced thousands of settlers to evacuate northern Israeli cities and villages, with Israel’s defense minister asserting that an immediate return is not likely.
Simultaneously, Iraqi militias reported targeting the US’ Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province with a drone, following an earlier attack on a US base in Erbil province. While no casualties were reported in either incident, the US Department of Defense revealed that its bases in Iraq and Syria have faced over 77 attacks, resulting in dozens of injuries since the commencement of the Israeli war on Gaza.
As a demonstration of unwavering support, the US continues to supply Israel with military aid, with the 200th plane carrying weapons and military equipment arriving on Wednesday. The Israeli defense ministry disclosed that it has received over 10,000 tons of military equipment from the US since the beginning of the Gaza conflict on October 7.
Meanwhile, the Joe Biden administration has reinforced its military presence across the region to safeguard Israeli interests. Furthermore, the US has been criticized for obstructing UN Security Council resolutions seeking a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, adding a diplomatic dimension to the complex dynamics of the regional conflict.