Israel Targets Houthi-Controlled Yemen Port Following Fatal Drone Strike on Tel Aviv

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida in western Yemen on Saturday, a day after a drone attack by the Iran-backed group struck Tel Aviv, killing an Israeli man.

The Israeli military stated: “Fighter jets targeted military installations of the Houthi terror regime in the Hodeida Port area in retaliation for the numerous attacks against Israel in recent months.”

This operation, named “Operation Outstretched Arm,” marks the first time the Israel Defense Forces have struck targets in Yemen. The airstrikes aimed at disrupting the Houthis’ ability to import Iranian weapons and inflict financial damage on the rebels.

The Israeli military identified the port as a key site for receiving weapons from Iran, making it a legitimate target. The strikes focused on fuel depots, energy facilities, and other infrastructure, resulting in significant fires and smoke visible from the port.

The attack involved at least a dozen Israeli aircraft, including F-35s and F-15s, and was conducted solely by Israel with no direct U.S. military involvement, though the U.S. was informed beforehand.

The airstrikes followed the fatal drone attack on Tel Aviv early Friday, which resulted in one death and injuries to ten others. The Israeli military attributed the drone attack to a “human error” in air defense systems.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the strike following the attack on Tel Aviv, and the Israeli security cabinet gave its endorsement later that day.

In recent months, the Houthis have launched over 220 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel, mainly targeting the southern city of Eilat, in support of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Most of these projectiles were intercepted or missed their targets, with only one prior attack, a cruise missile, successfully hitting an open area in March.

Israel had previously refrained from retaliating against Houthi attacks, preferring that a U.S.-led coalition handle the response. However, with the recent escalation, Israel decided to take direct action against the Houthis’ military assets.

The Houthi-run health ministry reported casualties from the strike, and Houthi officials vowed retaliation. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant emphasized that the attack was a clear message to Israel’s adversaries in the region.

The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen and have a history of targeting ships in the Red Sea, are part of the broader “axis of resistance” against Israel, which includes groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The ongoing conflict has seen various Iran-backed factions engage in attacks against Israel and its interests.