Jerusalem: On July 20, Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen's Hodeidah port, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. This action came a day after the Iran-backed Houthi group claimed responsibility for a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were responding directly to the July 19 attack, which killed a 50-year-old Israeli citizen. The IDF confirmed hitting "military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime" near Hodeidah port, marking Israel’s first strike in Yemen.
The Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones towards Israel over the past year, most of which were intercepted until the recent attack that killed one and injured at least ten others near a U.S. Embassy branch office. Following this, the Houthis declared Tel Aviv a primary target. In retaliation, the Houthi group threatened further assaults on Israel. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the Israeli strikes targeted oil facilities on Yemen's west coast, causing at least 87 injuries, many with severe burns.
Prime Minister Netanyahu justified the port's targeting by stating it was used for military purposes and served as an entry point for Iranian weaponry. He asserted that Israel’s response demonstrated its reach and determination to defend itself. Netanyahu also urged the international community to exert pressure on Iran and its proxies, including the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah, to protect international trade routes.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the strikes were a message to the Houthi movement. He warned of further action if the Houthis continued their attacks, highlighting that the current fires in Hodeidah were visible across the Middle East, symbolizing Israel's resolve.
On July 21, the Israeli military intercepted a surface-to-surface missile from Yemen before it entered Israeli airspace, prompting air sirens in Israel’s Red Sea port of Eilat due to potential falling shrapnel. Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the Israeli bombings, alleging they were meant to pressure the Houthis to stop supporting Palestinians in Gaza, a stance he vowed would not change. The Houthi government in Sanaa reported additional Israeli attacks on a nearby power plant and coastal oil storage facilities.
Houthi military spokesperson Yehya Saree promised retaliation, stating they were prepared for a prolonged conflict with Israel until the aggression ceased and the blockade on Palestinians was lifted. The IDF reported that its extensive operational strike involved IAF fighter jets targeting Houthi military sites over 1,800 kilometers away. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari noted that these strikes were also a response to about 200 rockets fired by the Houthis at Israel since the conflict with Hamas in Gaza began in October. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed "deep concern" over the airstrikes, urging all parties to avoid actions that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure.
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