Yemen-based Houthis — the last of Iran-backed groups still fully present in the regional war that began 14 months ago — are slowly escalating attacks on Israel with an eye to avoid full-out retaliation.

The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles at Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the conflict in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most have been intercepted, but on Saturday an attack that hit Tel Aviv wounded 16 people, prompting a warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

For the fourth time in less than a week, Yemen’s Houthi rebel group launched a ballistic missile at central Israel, prompting widespread sirens and