The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Israel, marking their first involvement since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree announced the attack in a statement broadcast Saturday morning on the rebels’ Al-Masirah satellite channel. The Israeli military reported that it successfully intercepted the missile. The strike followed a vague warning from Saree on Friday indicating the rebels’ intent to join the ongoing war, which has already shaken the region and affected the global economy. Saree stated that a series of ballistic missiles were launched at what he called “sensitive Israeli military targets” in southern Israel. The Houthis’ entry into the conflict also raises concerns about the potential targeting of commercial shipping through the Red Sea corridor, which could further disrupt global trade. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthi rebels had attacked more than 100 merchant vessels using missiles and drones, sinking two ships and killing four sailors.