The Israeli military has carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, targeting facilities in response to recent Houthi attacks. The strikes on Saturday followed a Houthi drone attack the previous day, which killed one person and injured ten in Tel Aviv.
According to Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV, the Israeli strikes hit oil storage facilities and a power plant, sparking a significant fire. The outlet reported casualties, though specific numbers were not given. The Israeli military, however, stated that its targets were “military” in nature.
This represents the first direct Israeli attack on the Houthis since the start of the conflict in Gaza. The escalation raises concerns about further violence in the region.
The Houthi Supreme Political Council vowed to retaliate, stating, “This aggression will not pass without an effective response against the enemy.” Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdelsalam criticized the attack as an attempt to pressure Yemen to stop supporting Gaza, which he dismissed as futile.
Hamas also condemned the strikes, warning that Israel would face consequences for its actions. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant defended the strikes, emphasizing that they serve as a warning to Israel’s adversaries, highlighting the ongoing conflict with the Houthis, who have targeted Red Sea shipping lanes and launched attacks on Israel.
The Houthis’ actions, including drone and missile attacks on Israel, have been largely intercepted. However, a recent breach on Friday by a Houthi drone striking Tel Aviv prompted Israeli officials to promise a firm response.
The U.S. and U.K. have been conducting airstrikes in Yemen against the Houthis’ Red Sea attacks, but the group’s activities persist. The new Israeli strikes add pressure on the already strained Israeli military, which is engaged on multiple fronts, including Gaza and Lebanon.
