Israeli warplanes have conducted air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, marking a significant escalation following missile attacks by the Iran-backed militia aimed at Israel. The operations, which began early Thursday morning, resulted in at least nine deaths, according to reports from Houthi sources
.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, declaring they targeted military establishments used by the Houthis, including ports and energy infrastructure, which the IDF claimed were supporting military operations against Israel. "The strikes degrade the Houthi terrorist regime, preventing it from exploiting these targets for military and terrorist purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons to the region," said the IDF via X, formerly Twitter.
Houthi-run Al Masirah Television reported significant casualties from the airstrikes, stating seven individuals were killed at the Al-Salif port near Hodeida and two others at the Ras Isa oil terminal. The strikes also reportedly affected energy facilities and power stations, resulting in injuries at Hodeida.
The backdrop for Israel’s retaliatory strikes stems from the Houthis’ increasing missile aggression, which saw them launch projectiles toward Tel Aviv and nearby areas, one of which damaged a school building. Although one missile was intercepted, debris fell on the Ramat Gan suburb, fortunately leaving no casualties, as confirmed by local officials.
Issuing dire warnings to the Houthi leaders, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "I urge the leaders of the Houthi organization to see, to understand and to remind: whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off."
This recent conflict is rooted in the broader tumult of the region, heightened by the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and heightened tensions across the Middle East. The Houthis have maintained their missile attacks on Israel as part of their support for Palestinians amid escalated Israeli actions against Hamas.
Houthi officials have vehemently condemned the Israeli strikes, promising retaliation. Muhammad Al-Bukhaiti, from the Houthi political bureau, claimed, "The American-Israeli bombings of civilian facilities in Yemen expose the hypocrisy of the west. Our military operations to support Gaza will continue, and we will respond to escalation with escalation until the crimes of mass extermination in Gaza stop and the possibility of bringing food, medicine, and fuel is allowed."
Echoing their allies, Iran also condemned the attacks as "a flagrant violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter," according to Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry.
The Houthis have been involved regularly firing missiles and drones, claiming their sustained attacks are to express solidarity with Palestinians. The recent tide of violence commenced after they began targeting Israel over the last year amid the overarching Gaza conflicts.
Throughout this period, the Israeli military has made multiple strikes against the Houthis, which had taken out command-and-control facilities earlier this month, illustrating the extensive international interest and involvement this conflict has provoked.
It remains unclear how this latest round of escalation will affect shipping routes, especially with Houthi missiles having previously threatened maritime operations through the Red Sea, heightening freight prices and international military responses. The situation poses severe challenges for Western shipping firms and global commerce.
Israel’s increased military activity not only advances its interests but also draws the U.S. and other western powers back to the table, perhaps indicating greater military coordination against perceived common enemies across the Middle East.
This incident’s ramifications could reshape the geopolitical dynamics within the region and set the stage for continuous cycles of retaliation, complicity, and international engagement. The continuing tension between Israel and the Houthis reflects larger currents at play across the Middle East, calling for urgent diplomatic measures to mitigate the conflict.
