A little over two months ago, Donald Trump was emphatic in claiming to have halted Houthi militants’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The US president said the militants had agreed to a ceasefire after a campaign of air strikes which he said had bombed the Iranian-backed group into surrender.

Houthi forces have reportedly launched Zulfiqar ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, sending shockwaves through Tel Aviv. Explosions were heard across the area, triggering mass panic,

Israel has carried out its 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.

The latest escalation follows a series of maritime attacks by the Houthis. On Tuesday, the group struck and sank the Eternity C, with 25 crew members onboard.

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.

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