Iran's resurgence, Israel's military posture, and U.S. backing create a high-stakes triangle driving the region toward renewed conflict.

The Israeli military says the strikes were a response to attacks by the Houthis, who later launched two missiles towards Israel and the occupied West Bank.

The Houthis then responded with an apparent missile attack on Israel. The Israeli military said that it attempted to intercept the two missiles launched by the Houthis, but they appeared to make impact, though no injuries have been reported. Sirens sounded in the West Bank and along the Dead Sea.

Since October 7, the Jewish state has heavily relied on its F-35I and F-15I fleets to carry out both defensive and offensive operations.

Israel – with US assistance at the very end – had pulled off a staggering strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Operation Rising Lion had reasserted Israeli deterrence, garnered international admiration, and handed Netanyahu a signature moment of strength both domestically and on the world stage.

Israel carried out it first strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since the Israel-Iran ceasefire, attacking ports and a power plant around midnight local time Sunday night into Monday morning.