Key Points
- Israel launched major airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port after a Houthi missile struck near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, injuring at least 21 people
- The Israeli military targeted what it called “terrorist infrastructure,” including a cement factory used for military purposes.
- The Houthi missile attack marked the first time a projectile evaded Israel’s missile defenses and hit near its main airport since late 2023.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed continued retaliation, warning the Houthis would face the same fate as Hamas and Hezbollah.
- The Houthis declared a “comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israel, urging airlines to avoid Israeli airports and pledging further attacks.
Jerusalem: Israel has launched its most forceful airstrikes in months on Yemen’s Hodeidah port, just a day after Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired a ballistic missile that landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport-the busiest in Israel. The rare successful missile strike triggered air raid sirens and temporarily halted air traffic, raising new concerns about Israel’s air defense capabilities.
Israeli Airstrikes Rock Yemen’s Red Sea Port
On Monday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck multiple targets in and around Hodeidah, Yemen’s main Red Sea port. The attacks targeted what Israel described as Houthi “terrorist infrastructure,” including a cement factory east of the city, which the IDF claims was used for building tunnels and military facilities. At least 21 people were injured, according to Houthi health officials, and local reports described massive explosions and thick smoke engulfing the port area.
Netanyahu Promises Relentless Response
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened Israel’s security cabinet after the missile attack and vowed a strong response. “We acted before, we will act in the future too,” Netanyahu said, promising that the Houthis would face the same fate as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Houthis Escalate Threats, Pledge More Attacks
The Houthi leadership responded by announcing a “comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israel, warning international airlines to avoid Israeli airports. They declared Ben Gurion Airport a primary target and cited solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Regional Tensions on the Rise
The Houthi missile strike was the first to evade Israel’s missile defense systems since the group began targeting Israel in late 2023, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The incident adds to growing instability in the Red Sea region, where Houthi attacks have repeatedly targeted Israeli interests and international shipping routes.
