Israeli Airstrikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen Following Tel Aviv Drone Attack

Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthi Positions in Yemen Following Tel Aviv Drone Attack

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that they launched airstrikes on multiple Houthi military targets located in western Yemen. This military action comes as a direct response to a drone attack orchestrated by the Houthi rebel group, which tragically resulted in the death of one individual in Tel Aviv on Friday.

According to the IDF, several “military targets” were hit in the crucial port city of Hodeidah. The Israeli military characterized this operation as a necessary retaliation for what they described as “hundreds of attacks carried out against the state of Israel in recent months.” In contrast, the Houthi administration in Sana’a reported damage to oil storage facilities and a power plant, with claims of civilian casualties, although specific numbers were not disclosed.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthis, condemned the Israeli strikes as “blatant aggression.” He assured that the Yemeni Armed Forces are prepared to respond decisively, stating, “With the help of God, we will not hesitate to target the vital assets of the Israeli enemy. Additionally, we reaffirm our previous statement declaring the occupied Jaffa area as an unsafe zone.”

In a televised address on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Hodeidah should not be perceived as an “innocent port.” He highlighted its significance as the primary entry point for arms from Iran, which serves as the Houthis’ principal supporter. Netanyahu asserted, “Like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Houthis are integral to Iran’s axis of evil. This axis not only poses a threat to Israel but jeopardizes global peace. Israel calls upon the international community to intensify efforts against Iran and its proxies, aiming to curtail Iranian aggression and safeguard international navigation freedoms.”

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari clarified that the strike on Hodeidah was a unilateral action taken solely by the IDF, with no involvement from other entities. “The Houthi attacks are clear acts of aggression, violating international law and endangering global peace and security. Today, Israel escalated its actions in self-defense against these provocations,” he remarked.

The recent Israeli strikes represent the first military operations on Yemeni territory since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in October. This escalation raises concerns about the potential opening of a new front in the region, as Israel continues to confront Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militia groups in Syria.

The airstrikes occurred shortly after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack that targeted a central area of Tel Aviv, close to the United States Embassy, early on Friday morning. The attack resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man, a recent immigrant to Israel from Belarus, and left ten others injured.

Throughout the ongoing nine-month conflict, the Houthis have persistently launched drones and missiles aimed at Israel, asserting that their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian people. In line with this motive, the group has also targeted shipping vessels in the Red Sea, claiming connections to Israel, although most of the affected vessels have little to no ties with the country.