Israeli air force retaliates against Houthi missile threat
The Israeli Air Force conducted an air raid on Houthi targets in Yemen, including the port in Hodeidah. Approximately 20 fighter jets participated in the attack. The Houthis have promised to intensify their attacks on Israel.
What do you need to know?
- Israeli Air Force attacked Houthi targets in Yemen, with about 20 fighter jets involved in the raid.
- 21 people were injured, according to the Houthi health ministry.
- The raid was a retaliation for Sunday's Houthi attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Why did Israel attack Houthi targets in Yemen?
The Israeli armed forces stated that the air raid on Houthi targets in Yemen was a response to the Sunday missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The ballistic missile launched by the Houthis hit Israel's largest airport for the first time, though it did not cause significant damage.
In response, the Israeli Air Force attacked the port in Hodeidah. The Israeli army emphasized that the targeted port is used by the Houthis to import weapons and equipment from Iran for terrorist purposes.
The air force also struck a concrete factory in the city of Bajil. Israel noted that the plant is a crucial source of income for the "Houthi terrorist regime" and is also used for constructing tunnels and military infrastructure.
Houthis promise to intensify attacks on Israel
The Houthi health ministry reported that 21 people were injured as a result of the Israeli air raid. Nasrudin Amer, a spokesman for the Yemeni group, announced on social media that "the Zionist-American attacks on civilian targets will not deter the Houthis from fighting Israel." The rebels plan to intensify attacks on Israel and the shipping route through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Houthis support the Palestinian Hamas fight against Israel
Recognized by the West as a terrorist organization, the Houthis are part of the so-called axis of resistance supported by Iran. Since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, they've carried out over 100 attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Yemen, supporting the Palestinian Hamas fight against Israel. The group continues rocket and drone attacks on Israel, although most missiles are intercepted. Israel has previously conducted five strikes on the Houthis, including on the port in Hodeidah.
Since early 2024, the USA has led a coalition to defend the freedom of navigation threatened by Houthi attacks. In mid-March, President Donald Trump announced a new offensive, increasing the intensity of air raids on this group.
Shortly before the Israeli air raid, Yemeni media reported another US attack on the Houthi-controlled capital, Sana'a.
