Iranian Drones in Tel Aviv Attack Linked to US Parts

Israeli air strikes reportedly hit oil storage facilities in Hodeidah, Yemen, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties. This attack follows the Houthis' claim of responsibility for a drone strike on Tel Aviv that killed one person and narrowly missed a U.S. Embassy branch. Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti asserted that such Israeli actions would not deter their military support for Palestinians, warning of increased retaliation until the Gaza conflict concludes. Military and political analyst Elijah Magnier commented on the situation, suggesting that the Israeli strikes would not alter the Houthis' commitment to supporting Gaza. He emphasized that the Houthis now have a "perfect reason" to escalate their attacks, indicating that this cycle of violence is far from over. The ongoing conflict highlights the complexities of regional dynamics and the Houthis' role as a non-state actor motivated by solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Senator Ted Cruz has raised alarms regarding the construction of the drones used in the Tel Aviv attack, noting they were primarily made with American components. He criticized the Biden administration for allowing over $100 billion in sanctions relief to flow to Iran, which he claims has facilitated the production of these advanced military drones. Cruz has called for a congressional briefing to address the apparent gaps in U.S. sanctions and export controls. The issue of American components reaching Iran has gained urgency following the Houthi strike. Cruz is pressing for accountability from the Biden administration regarding its failure to prevent these components from being used in Iranian drones, which have been supplied to various militant groups. The recent sanctions waiver granted to Iraq, allowing significant funds to flow to Iran, further complicates the situation, as illicit Iranian oil sales have surged under the current administration.