Israeli forces have carried out extensive airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people in the port city of Hodeidah.
The strikes come in response to a series of Houthi missile attacks on Israel, with hundreds of projectiles reportedly launched over the past year. Israeli media confirmed that dozens of combat aircraft, supported by fuel and intelligence planes, were involved in the operation.
Recent Houthi aggression, including two high-profile attacks in the past week, prompted the escalation. The rebels claimed to have fired hypersonic ballistic missiles at “sensitive military targets” near Tel Aviv, though the type of missile remains unverified. The Israeli military is investigating whether a partial interception by its defense systems caused debris to strike a school in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv.
The Iran-backed Houthis have frequently launched long-range missiles at Israel, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians affected by Israeli operations in Gaza.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Houthis as a key element of Iran’s “axis of evil,” declaring, “Those who strike Israel will pay a very heavy price.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning to Houthi leaders, emphasizing, “Israel’s long arm will reach you too.” The Israel Defense Forces accused the Houthis of violating international law and endangering regional peace and security.
In response, the Houthis pledged to escalate their actions. Muhammad al-Bukhaiti, a senior Houthi official, condemned the strikes as targeting civilian infrastructure and vowed to continue supporting Gaza. “We will respond to escalation with escalation until the crimes in Gaza stop,” he stated, reiterating calls for humanitarian aid access to the besieged strip.
