Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the port of Hodeidah in Yemen is not an “innocent port” and serves as the main entry point for weapons from Iran, the main regional backer of the Houthi rebels. In response to a drone attack claimed by the rebels which killed one person in Tel Aviv, the Israeli army has struck several Houthi targets in Hodeidah, according to the IDF.
The Houthi-run government in Sanaa reported that the Israeli strikes hit oil storage facilities and a power plant, resulting in civilian casualties. A spokesperson for the Houthis condemned the “blatant aggression” by Israel and vowed to respond to the attack.
Netanyahu described the Houthis as part of Iran’s “axis of evil” and called on the international community to increase efforts against Iran and its proxies. The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that the strike on Hodeidah was solely an IDF operation and emphasized that the Houthi’s attacks are viewed as acts of aggression violating international law.
These Israeli strikes represent the first on Yemeni soil since the conflict with Hamas began in October and could potentially open a new front in the region as Israel combats Iranian proxies. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for a drone attack in Tel Aviv and have targeted shipping in the Red Sea, claiming it is linked to Israel. Israel has responded by striking Houthi targets in Yemen as a means of self-defence against the attacks.
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