preCharge News POLITICS — Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile launch toward Israel early Saturday, marking their first direct involvement since the broader regional war began.

The Israel Defense Forces said it successfully intercepted the projectile before it could reach its target.

Houthis Claim Ballistic Missile Barrage on ‘Sensitive’ Israeli Targets

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree announced the attack in a statement broadcast on Al-Masirah television, claiming multiple ballistic missiles were launched at “sensitive Israeli military sites” in southern Israel.

Attack Follows Warning of Entry Into War

The strike came just hours after Saree issued a vague warning that the Houthis would join the conflict, signaling a potential widening of the war beyond its current fronts.

Sirens, Explosions Reported Across Southern and Central Israel

Air raid sirens sounded in and around Beer Sheba, including areas near Israel’s main nuclear research center.

Residents in Tel Aviv reported loud explosions overnight, while Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service said it responded to 11 separate impact sites across the metropolitan area.

Ongoing Attacks From Iran and Hezbollah Intensify Pressure

The missile launch occurred amid continued overnight strikes from Iran and Hezbollah, further escalating tensions and stretching Israel’s air defense systems.

Red Sea Shipping Risks Resurface Amid Houthi Involvement

Saturday’s attack raises concerns that the Houthis may resume targeting commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Global Trade Could Face Renewed Disruption

• The Red Sea corridor previously carried roughly $1 trillion in annual trade
• Houthi attacks during the Israel-Hamas war disrupted global supply chains
• Renewed strikes could again impact shipping, insurance costs, and energy flows

The group also reportedly deployed drones toward Israeli territory, adding another layer to the threat.

U.S. Naval Strategy Complicated by Rising Threats

The escalation could complicate U.S. military operations in the region, particularly involving the USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently docked in Crete for repairs.

Risk of Renewed Naval Engagements

Redeploying the carrier into the Red Sea could expose it to sustained attacks similar to those faced by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in 2024 and the USS Harry S. Truman during the 2025 U.S. campaign against the Houthis.

Houthis’ Role in Yemen and Regional Conflict

The Houthis have controlled Sanaa since 2014 and have largely stayed out of the current war until now.

Fragile Ceasefire With Saudi Arabia at Risk

• The group has maintained an uneasy ceasefire with Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia launched a military campaign against the Houthis in 2015
• Renewed hostilities could destabilize Yemen and the broader region further

Their entry into the conflict signals a potentially dangerous expansion of the war across multiple fronts.

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Associated Press, CNBC News, Fox News, and preCharge News contributed to this report.